Baby Safety Concerns

As a baby grows, he'll be able to reach and move, giving him the opportunity to need more protection from common household hazards. Careful preparation and babyproofing will ensure the house is ready for a curious and developing child.

  1. Hazards at the Child's Level

    • When a baby begins to crawl, he will want to explore all the items at his level. To help babyproof the house, an adult should get down on hands and knees and look around. What she sees, the baby will see. This includes electrical outlets, bookcases that aren't nailed into the wall, electrical cords, dog bowls and anything left on the floor. A baby will use furniture to pull himself up and will try to grab anything he sees on the table.

    Stairs Can Be Dangerous

    • When a baby is learning to crawl and walk, she wants to explore every room. She can very easily fall down the stairs, or if she is crawling up them, she can tumble down. Place baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs to protect the baby from falling.

    Toys Should Be Safe for Baby's Mouth

    • A baby learns by exploring and he'll put everything in his mouth. All of his toys should be age-appropriate. Toys shouldn't have small parts, sharp parts or parts that can easily be bitten or pulled off. The baby will try to pull and chew his toys, so each must be strong enough to endure baby's playtime.

    Doors, Windows, Cabinets and Toilets

    • A baby enjoys opening and closing objects, and she will find doors and windows fascinating. Put child locks on doors and windows, so she won't accidentally open one and crawl outside where you can't find her. Lock cabinets as well, especially if there're poisonous liquids such as household cleaning products. A baby will also try to open the toilet cover and could hurt her hand when the cover drops back down or may even try to drink the water out of the bowl. Keep the toilet locked as well.

    Be Prepared with First Aid Awareness

    • Study infant and child CPR and first aid in case of an emergency, says KidsHealth.org. The organization also suggests keeping emergency numbers posted on the refrigerator, regularly testing and changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Always keep bandages and antibiotic ointments on hand.

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