It's never too early to start baby-proofing. Before the baby arrives is the ideal time to start considering what may be a hazard in your home. The nursery is especially important since your baby will be spending lots of time there. Keep baby-proofing in mind when you decorate your nursery. Furniture anchors and electrical outlet covers are very important and can be easily installed when you decorate the room.
Babies grow and develop so quickly. If you wait until you see a need for baby-proofing, then it can sometimes be too late. New parents especially may not realize how curious and creative a new baby can be. Before you know it, your little one will be putting everything in his or her mouth. Everything within reach will be explored by feeling, grabbing, chewing and tasting. Because of this, choking hazards are your first concern. The general rule is, if it fits down a toilet paper tube, it can fit down a child's throat. Any small items should be kept out of reach and where a toddler or child can't climb to get to it. On top of the dresser can entice them to climb up to it.
Non Convertible Crib
A non-anchored dresser is a serious crushing hazard to have in your home. Make sure that all shelves are anchored as well. Anything that could possibly tip over should be anchored to at least one stud in the wall. Cover all electrical outlets with plug covers when not in use. Outlet covers that allow things to be plugged in and covered are very useful and easy to install. The cover locks down so that only an adult can unplug the appliance. Keep cords bundled and out of children's reach. Long cords can be inviting to chew on, get tangled up in or trip over. Keep cords behind an anchored dresser or shelving unit whenever possible. You can even secure excess cords to the wall with a small clamp to discourage your child from playing with them.
Keep lamps, heaters and other burn hazards well out of reach. Secure these items so that they can't be pulled off of a shelf or dresser by the cord. If your heating vents are located on the floor, keep in mind that they can become very hot during the winter. Replace metal vents with plastic ones or place a physical barrier that your child won't be able to get past in the way of the vent. Take precautions if there is a radiator or portable heater in the nursery as well. You may end up putting a baby gate all the way around the radiator or heater.
Stuffed animals, blankets and clothing pulled from drawers are the number one fire hazard in a child's room. Your gates should be high enough that a child can't throw flammable items near a heat source. Don't forget that incandescent light bulbs can be very hot and start fires as well. Consider fluorescent light bulbs for lamps in a child's room. Keep baby blankets, stuffed toys and clothing out of your child's reach. If you keep them in the crib, make sure that they are well out of the child's reach from the outside. Install child locks on dresser drawers and keep as many clothes as possible put away in the closet on childrens clothes hangers. Prepare early and you'll be confident of your child's safety when he or she arrives.
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