ongratulations on your impending - or new - arrival!
You’ll quickly realize that your bundle of joy won’t be getting into too much trouble these first months. However, even before your little one starts to move around, it's time to protect him from the potential dangers in your home. If you didn't get a chance to childproof your home while you were pregnant, now's the time to get started before any accidents can occur.
Here's how:
There are a number of products on the market that can help you in this endeavor, and two ways to go about it.
1. Hire a professional
2. Do it yourself
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
If, for some reason, you do not feel comfortable taking on this project, or you simply do not have the time, there are many services that baby-proof for you. They can come to your home and offer an estimate for the particular items you might need. Most of these companies will also offer a "rolling store" that supplies the necessary items, as well as installation services. Before you can feed the baby and change her diaper, you can have safety gates installed at every stairway and door, cabinet locks throughout the kitchen, bumpers around the coffee table, and a toilet lid lock in every bathroom.
While this route is pricier than doing it yourself, many parents value the ease, and convenience, the comfort in knowing that it is being done quickly and efficiently.
Check the Local Resources section for providers in your area.
DO IT YOURSELF
For you handy types out there, this can be a challenging and rewarding project. You need to discover where the possible hazards are then remedy the problems with the appropriate solutions. How should you go about this? You may have heard the suggestion to "think like your infant" and get down low. As ridiculous as it may feel, seeing your home from your child’s viewpoint can be a good way to discover potential dangers – as well as to spot breakables you’ll want to move to higher ground. So, take a crawl around your home in every room your child might possibly spend time in, and start looking for hazards. Take a notepad with you and jot down everything you see. But don't just stop there.
"The Safety Mom" expert, Alison Rhodes, points out that if "our children thought like mini-adults, [just getting down on your hands and knees] would be fine." But, "many parents underestimate the potential hazard of toppling furniture." So, make sure you properly position all your furniture (and secure it to a wall) to keep it from falling on your child... and move all chairs and tables away from any windows.
Appropriate safety items you'll need to purchase may include any or all of the following:
Drawer & Cabinet Locks
Outlet Covers
Safety Gates
Surface Bumpers & Corner Guards
Door Knob Covers
Furniture Straps/Brackets
Wire Guards/Cord Controls
TV, VCR, and DVD Guards
Appliance Guards/Shields/Locks
Toilet Lid Locks
Window Blind Cord Protectors
Fire Escape Ladder
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Drawer & Cabinet Locks
Drawer locks install on the inside of a drawer to prevent it from being opened by prying hands. Adults simply press down on the lock's lever to release the drawer. Cabinet locks install to the interior of cabinet doors and catch the door once it is opened one or two inches. Spring-action child locks are pressed down past the keeper so the door may be opened by adults.
