The last few days before a new baby is born can be terrifying and wonderful. As you’re getting the last few things together and double-checking everything, it’s a good idea to make sure your home is as safe as possible. That newborn phase
is over quickly and before you know it, your little one will be rolling over, sitting up and crawling. Therefore, doing everything you can to make sure your home is safe now will save time and energy later on.
What are Things to Consider?
Everyone knows about the plastic coverings for sockets and protector locks for cabinets. Some of the newer items are plastic door knobs that will prevent your curious toddler from opening a door and a faucet cover, so if your little one hits their head or limb against the water faucet in the tub, it won’t hurt.
Another new idea that should have been invented years ago is the lock that connects cabinets, shelves and mirrors to the wall they are on. This is important because thousands of children have been injured from pulling on one of those items while it was hung on a nail and then it fell down on them. Sadly, a few children have been permanently scarred or even killed because of those injuries.
Is There Anything You Haven’t Thought of?
There is so much to do to get ready for a happy wheels new baby, and the fact of the matter is that you will have more time now to get ready then you will later. Everyone knows to put fragile and breakable items out of reach, but it’s also a good idea to consider furnitu
re edges. There are coverings that will soften sharp corners to prevent mishaps and glass coffee or end tables often need to be replaced. In as little as six months, your baby could be pulling up on those tables and if the glass moves or breaks, it could be disastrous.
This is also a good time to consider what you will be keeping available on the floor. Trashcans may need to be placed under the sink or in the pantry, while even something like stools in the kitchen could be dangerous. Babies and toddlers are smarter and more creative than we think and it can often seem that they are determined to make a mess or hurt themselves whenever possible.
The decisions you make today and in the first years of life for your child could have an overwhelming impact on the choices they make and their life experiences in the future. Whether this is your first child or you are a seasoned parent, the first 12 months of life for your new baby will teach you things you never knew. Be sure to take as many safety precautions as possible without placing your child in a cocoon. Eventually, every child will learn for themselves and they’ll hurt themselves. When that happens, it’s you they will be comforted by.
