When and Where to Baby Proof Your Home

Timing is Everything: A guide to babyproofing your home at the right moment for your little one's safety.

TL;DR - When? Before they start crawling! Where? Pretty much everywhere!

When it comes to babyproofing your home, timing is everything. As a parent, you want to make sure that your home is as safe as possible for your little one – and you want to make sure that you don’t wait until it's too late!

We can’t tell you how often a customer calls us in a panic because their child has suddenly become mobile and they haven’t had a chance to baby proof yet. (If this is you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered… just give us a call!)

If you’re in the research phase, keep reading! In this post, we'll discuss when the best time and places to start babyproofing your home.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that every baby develops at a different pace. Some babies start crawling as early as 6-months-old, while others may not start until closer to 12 months or later – and some skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking!

When to start babyproofing?

It's a good idea to start thinking about babyproofing as soon as you find out you're expecting. This gives you plenty of time to make any necessary changes to your home and ensure that everything is in place before your baby starts moving around.

That being said, the most common time parents start babyproofing their home is when their baby starts crawling or pulling themselves up to a standing position. This is typically between 6 and 12 months of age.

At this stage, your baby will start exploring their environment and will be more likely to come into contact with potential hazards. It's important to take action to make your home as safe as possible before your baby starts moving around on their own.

Where should you baby-proof?

When babyproofing your home, there are several key areas that you should focus on.

1. Nursery

2. Living Areas

3. Bathroom

4. Outdoors

Nursery

The first place to baby-proof is the nursery. This is the room where your baby will spend the majority of their time, so it's important to make sure that it's as safe as possible.

Look for potential hazards such as loose cords, sharp edges, and small objects that your baby could choke on. Make sure that all furniture is securely fastened to the wall and that there are no heavy items that could fall on your baby. (We highly advise not to hang anything on the walls above the crib or changing table!)

Living Areas

Next, you'll want to focus on the living areas of your home. This includes the living room, kitchen, and dining room. These are the areas where you and your family spend the most time, so it's important to make sure that they're safe for your baby.

Look for potential hazards such as loose rugs, sharp edges, and choking hazards, as well as drawers and cabinets that should be locked or latched. You'll also want to make sure that all appliances and electronics are out of reach of your baby and all standing furniture is properly anchored to the walls.

Bathroom

Another key area to focus on is the bathroom. This is a room that is often overlooked when it comes to babyproofing, but it's actually one of the most dangerous rooms in the house for a baby.

Make sure that all cleaning supplies and medications are out of reach of your baby, and that the toilet lid is kept closed at all times. You'll also want to install safety devices such as toilet locks and bathtub spout covers to keep your baby safe.

Outdoor

Finally, you'll want to focus on the outdoor areas of your home. This includes the backyard, patio, and deck. These areas can be particularly dangerous for a baby, so it's important to make sure that they're safe.

Look for potential hazards such as loose gravel, sharp edges, and – you guessed it – choking hazards. You'll also want to make sure that all gates and fences are securely fastened and that there are no poisonous plants or insects that could harm your baby.

In conclusion, babyproofing your home is an essential part of being a parent. It's important to start thinking about babyproofing as soon as you find out you're expecting, and to take action as soon as your baby starts crawling or pulling themselves up to a standing position.

It's also important to note that babyproofing is not a one-time task. As your baby grows and develops, their needs and abilities will change, and it's important to continuously assess and adjust your home to ensure that it remains safe for them.

Regularly check for potential hazards, and don't hesitate to make changes or upgrades if you notice something that could be dangerous for your baby.

In addition to physical babyproofing, it's also important to be aware of potential safety hazards associated with everyday items such as baby gear and toys.

Always check for product recalls and ensure that all items meet safety standards. It's also important to supervise your baby at all times and to never leave them unattended, even in a seemingly safe environment.

All in all, babyproofing your home is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one. It may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can create a safe and secure environment for your baby to grow and explore.