How to Baby Proof Your Home

One of the most important jobs a new parent must take on is that of baby proofing. What was once considered "no big deal" in your home becomes a possible danger for young children eager to explore. Burns, choking, suffocation, cuts, strangulation, and other real hazards appear to be everywhere once you take on the task of making your home safe for the adventurous baby. Each home will have its own unique issues to address. There is no single baby-proofing list to refer to. Even so, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow to make your home a safer one. Let's look at some of the hazards your home might have and figure out how to address them.

Electrocution
Electricity can be a real danger to small children, but there are some safety measures you can take to make injury less likely. You should apply safety plugs or covers in all of the electrical outlets. There are many different types of outlet covers available for purchase. Unplug appliances that aren't in use, and keep electrical items away from the bathtub or sink.

Burns
There are areas in your house that aren't safe because of excess heat that can cause burns. In the kitchen the dangers are great. Install stove knob covers, stove top protectors, and oven locks if needed. Keep hot containers and drinks out of reach. When cooking, always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Remove space heaters that can be reached by a small child as well. Install gates to block access to fireplaces. Some also chose to install a gate to keep little fingers out of the kitchen. Install smoke detectors in the hallway near every bedroom and one near the kitchen. Turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a look around your home to figure out where heat will pose a threat and then develop a plan to deal with that issue.