Baby-proofing your house

When baby begins to crawl, then it is time for parents to take some household precautions in order to safeguard the little one. The safer you will make the home environment, the less you will need to worry about his safety. The zone in the house that you need to child proof extends to the point high above your child’s reach.  Babies are very eager and enthusiastic to explore the world around them. They want to see, play and touch everything that comes in front of them. Parents need to survey the house carefully and make changes accordingly to ensure total safety of the child.

One must remember that babies get into trouble fast than you can imagine. If there is any dangerous spot in the house, make sure your baby stays away from it. You can even install some helpful safety devices within your home to protect your baby. Along with that to prevent accidents, parents need to follow simple household safety measures. But parents need to keep in mind that no amount of childproofing can replace them. No matter what they always need to keep eye on their baby at this stage.

Ways to child –proof your house:

• First, of all, crawl through the house and get a baby's-eye view, and remove anything that is dangerous to your baby.

• Remove all breakables that may harm the child such as vases, picture frames, ashtrays and ornaments from tables.

• Mainly hide and cover all electrical cords and keep them above the child’s reach.

• Pad the corners and sharp edges of the furniture, beds, coffee tables and glass-topped tables.

• Keep tiny objects out of your baby’s reach as he may swallow it. Don’t keep coins, marbles, beads, paper clips and other small objects on the floor or on the low tables.

• Garbage pails should have lids so that baby cannot remove it.

• Cover electrical outlets with special plates or plastic inserts

• Do not keep unsafe indoor plants inside the house.

• Choose toys carefully when shopping for your child.  Look for toys that are well made and appropriate for your child’s age. Watch out for toys that have sharp edges, small parts or sharp points.

Keep out of reach

• Keep alcohol, cigarettes , poisons ,detergents and other chemicals above shoulder level and out of baby’s reach.

• Keep matches and lighters always on a high shelf in the cupboard.

• Keep guns and other firearms out of the house. If guns are in the house, unload them, put them in a locked place.