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Babyproofing 101: Everything You Need to Keep Baby Safe & Parents Sane
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There once was a time when I could buy things–furniture, cooking utensils, bathroom supplies, etc.—and not worry about whether or not someone was going to attempt death-defying feats with those items. But then I had a kid and realized that everything I’ve ever bought in my life (including an innocent box of tissues) was actually a safety hazard for a curious baby.
Enter: Babyproofing! The task that every parent dreads...but a task that is nevertheless oh so necessary. Since each home is wildly different, I’ve found the best way to babyproof is to see what your baby is attracted to (hint: it’ll be the most dangerous thing in the house—for my baby it was a metal dining room chair) and go from there. Regardless if you live in a studio apartment or a five-bedroom house, however, these are a few basics you need to purchase to cover all your baby bases.
Corner Guards
Dining room tables, coffee tables, media stands, benches, nightstands, end tables, and more—why is every corner in your home the exact baby head height?! These corner guards will save your baby from many bumps and bruises without ruining your furniture. We promise you can have your corners back after the age of four. And until then, you might want to put that glass table with sharp edges in storage.
Stove Knob Covers
If you like to cook, and even if you don’t, these guards will keep “helping” hands from open flames.
Oven Lock
I didn’t even know such a thing existed. But once my son decided the oven handle was a monkey bar, I did a little research. Luckily this lock now stops him in his tracks.
Gate
Keep stairs and other dangerous areas, like the kitchen, off limits. This gate is pressure mounted to the wall, which means easy installation and no drilling.
Anti-Tip Kits
You’ve seen the viral videos and you’ve heard the news reports and believe me when I tell you that you’ve got to secure large pieces of furniture to your wall. I didn’t really believe it until I saw my son use his dresser drawers like an obstacle in American Ninja Warrior. Dressers, bookshelves, media stands, TVs, nightstands, etc.—they’ve all got to be secured. I promise you they’re easy to install and will give you peace of mind.
Cabinet Locks
Keep easy access cabinets full of cleaning supplies, medicine, and cooking utensils away from little fingers that want to touch and taste everything.
Outlet Plugs
I never knew I had so many outlets in my home until I had a kid. Newer houses may have babyproof outlets already installed, but if you don’t, these are a quick fix.
Window Blind Cord Wraps
Don’t let your kids play Tarzan on your blind cords. Keep dangerous cords out of reach with these simple wraps.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Sounds like an obvious one, but it’s very important to remember nonetheless. Protect yourself and your family with these detectors. Put them in numerous locations in your home and don’t forget to change the battery twice a year.
Toilet Seat Lock
You’d like to think that there isn’t a person in the world that would want to put their hands in your toilet, but you would be wrong. Keep baby hands safe from toilet-lid slams and dirty-water splashing with these seat locks. Yes, they are annoying to unlock each time you have to go to the bathroom, but consider the alternative.
Door Knob Covers
And finally, if there is a room that has too many potential dangers to babyproof, keep it completely off limits with door knob covers. Keep the door shut with the cover on and you’ll keep the room safe from wandering babies.
