Top suggested baby proofing products according to parents.
I don’t know how Stew went from being a little soggy kitten to a crawler with opinions so quickly, but here we are. Thank you so much to all of you for your suggestions on baby-proofing our home to help keep him safe. All of the following items have been suggested by parents who have been there and done that. Just a few simple changes can go a long way to keep your little one safe and your mind at ease.
A few bits of standard but good advice:
Move all chemicals or potentially hazardous materials high up and well out of reach.
Anything that can fit in a toilet roll holder is a potential choking hazard. The most common non-food choking hazards are buttons, batteries, marbles, balloons, dice, magnets, pen and chapstick caps, and small hair accessories. Take a minute and think about where those items are in your home. Can you move them to a safer spot?
Get down on the floor and explore your home from your baby’s perspective. What catches your attention?
If you have door stopper springs, get out your hot glue gun and seal the caps to the spring.
Before we dive in, if you have these ball magnets anywhere in your home please go find them and throw them out before reading the rest of this blog. When swallowed these balls will tear through organs to get to each other. It’s horrific and not worth it. Just chuck them.
Cabinet locks:
These magnetic locks were the most recommended item. Consider buying an extra magnet key and of course, keep it well out of reach because it is so small.
Consider these velcro strips for high-use cabinets
Many suggested making a designated baby-safe cabinet or drawer that is easily accessible for the baby. You can store kid plates and things in that drawer. This way baby can have something to distract themselves with that is safe.
Stairs:
Teach your baby how to safely go down the stairs backward on their tummy as soon as possible. It’s inevitable that a door or gate will be left open at some point. Knowing how to navigate stairs will only help them.
I chose this baby gate because it is extra tall so it can double as a dog gate.
Outlets:
These sliding covers were another favorite. They seem a lot more realistic than the removable plug covers.
I ordered these because they seem really easy to install.
These box covers are a great option for outlets that always have something plugged in like a lamp.
Anchors:
Use these easy-to-install furniture anchors on anything climbable and tipable. Pay special attention to pieces with shelves or drawers.
Appliance door locks:
There are lots of good options for ovens, washing machines, and dryers. Some ovens have built-in locks so check yours before ordering.
Bumpers
I grabbed these for our kitchen table.
Roomba:
This little sucker is going to be working overtime to help keep the floor clean.
Plants:
I’m planning to move all of our plants out of reach for now, but plant covers are worth looking into when the toddler stage rolls around. I hear they work well with cats, too. I like this option and this one.
Playpen:
I ordered a playpen so I can always have a safe place where I have pretty much full control over what he has access to.
I hope these basics are helpful! According to most of the moms, don’t make yourself go crazy. The truth is, the baby will likely find something you missed. When they do, just make adjustments and move forward. Godspeed!