Babies are very curious about their surroundings, so they touch everything which comes in their way. It is parent's responsibility to take care of the crawling baby. Some precautionary measures if taken will ensure the safety of the baby and prevent accidents. Here are some tips. Looking after a baby is no cakewalk. Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, constant wailing, constant feeding, is just the tip of the iceberg. Just when parents feel that they have got the knack of things, the baby becomes mobile. It always comes as a surprise to parents how fast a
crawling baby can move. Now you see him, now you don't. You take your eyes off them for a second and they are off like a shot.
Crawling babies seem to have an unerring instinct to seek out the most potentially harmful things and activities like putting their fingers into or playing with sharp objects. There is no way that parents can watch the baby constantly. But they can take some precautionary measures in an attempt to ensure that the baby will not get hurt even if he wanders off.
Tips for Childproofing Your House
Have a quick look at tips for childproofing different parts of your house.
Childproofing the Kitchen
The kitchen is a potentially hazardous area, but it is not an area that can be kept off-limits, as parents tend to be in and out of the kitchen all the time. What parents can do is to put childproof latches on drawers and cabinets containing poisonous materials or sharp objects. It is advisable to unplug all electrical appliances and keep them well out of the baby's reach. The baby should be kept out of the kitchen when cooking. Be extra careful when handling hot liquids and place all hot dishes in the centre of the table rather than near the edge. Put all glassware and sharp objects in the higher cabinets.
Childproofing the Bedrooms
Bedrooms seem relatively safe. However, this area has its own potential dangers. Do not leave jewellery lying around. It acts as a magnet for babies and this can lead to a choking accident. Perfumes, deodorants and makeup should also be kept out of the baby's reach as these substances can cause accidental. Belts, ties, shoelaces and plastic bags can cause strangulation and suffocation.
Preventing Accidents Caused by Wires and Cords
Dangling cords and wires should be taped up. This will prevent table lamps and floor lamps crashing to the floor when babies tug at the wires. Make sure that the insulation on the wiring has not become frayed and that the wires are not exposed.
Childproofing Bathroom
The bathroom is a dangerous area for both children and adults with its hard surfaces, slippery tiles, hot water geysers and faucets. Unfortunately, it is not possible to make this area out of bounds for the baby. The best that parents can do is to put a latch somewhere high on the bathroom door and closely supervise the baby's visits to the bathroom.
Taking Care of Staircases
As far as staircases are concerned, parents should keep in mind that babies usually learn to climb up the stairs much before they learn how to get down. Therefore, it is advisable to put a gate at the top of the stairs. A gate can also be put at the third step from the bottom as a precaution to prevent the baby from tumbling very far down.
Preventing Hazards Caused by Plants
Babies have a tendency to put almost everything they get their hands on into their mouths. Thus, in households that have a lot of indoor plants, it is recommended that parents get rid of plants that are potentially lethal. Dangling vines are unsafe, as babies are likely to pull and drag them down. If parents do decide to keep plants, they should ensure that the pots are placed well out of reach.
Some More Tips on Childproofing
Here are some more tips on childproofing and making sure that the baby is safe.
- Lock up certain rooms like the study, or home office, or the utility area. These areas will thus be inaccessible to the child.
- In every room, all unstable furniture, floor lamps, etc. should be removed.
- Remove all knickknacks like cigarette lighters, paperweights and remote controls so that the baby cannot get his hands on it.
- Put all expensive and delicate equipment in a place where the baby cannot reach it.
- All windows should be locked and barred so that there is no danger of the baby falling out of them.
Only making sure that the house is childproofed is not enough. Parents should always make sure that the baby or child is not left alone even for a second and he or she is always under adult’s supervision.
