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welcome home
There's so much to think about before you bring your baby home, it's easy to forget to make
sure you've properly baby-proofed your house. If you want the peace of mind that you've got
everything covered, why not check out our top tips for making your home a baby-friendly
environment:
- Make sure the crib mattress you choose fits snugly. Your child mustn't be able to slip between the mattress and the crib.
- The slats on the crib should be no MORE than 2.37 inches apart so your baby's head doesn't get trapped.
- Make sure all screws and bolts are securely installed on the crib to prevent collapse.
- Never put pillows, soft bedding, electric blankets, heating pads or stuffed animals in a crib.
- Never put baby chairs or bouncers on high level surfaces.
- Place a rug under a changing table and crib. This will double as a cushion in case of a fall.
- Nightlights should be at least three feet away from a crib, bedding and curtains in case of fire.
- Fit smoke detectors in the hall, landing and bedroom. Also remember to make sure that you've got
fire guards protecting open fires and gas fires.
here comes trouble
It might seem a long way off but your baby could well be tearing around the house in no time.
Even though it may seem a little overzealous at this stage, it's a good idea to start thinking
about baby-proofing your home before your baby starts to crawl. Why not have a look at
some basic tips that will give you peace of mind for when you hear the pitter patter of tiny knees?
- Keep small objects such as coins or small toys out of your baby's reach. Curious babies love to taste things as well as touch them.
- Fit blank plug sockets to make sure your baby can't put its fingers in the holes.
- Buy corner guards to protect your baby from sharp furniture edges and corners.
- Use stairgates at the top and bottom of stairs and block rooms you don't want your baby to get into.
- Tie any loose cables or cords out of reach and fit within wire-protective covers.
born to run
While you're enjoying watching your child develop and grow, the thought of watching a toddler
run riot around the house within a few months is enough to strike fear into the heart of any parent.
Taking a few common-sense precautions means that you're less likely to be thrown into a state of panic
when your baby goes walkabout. Why not have a look at some basic tips that will give you peace of mind
for when the inevitable happens?
- Doors - Fit door stoppers to protect your baby's fingers from being caught in doors.
- Cleaning materials - All children love to find out what's behind doors and in containers. Make
sure that all your cleaning supplies are moved away from floor level to well above child height.
You'll also have to remember to put childlocks on cupboards.
- Keep appliance cords wrapped short so your child can't pull potentially dangerous appliances
like kettles off tables and surfaces.
- Look out for sticky cellophane sheets to cover any glass you're worried about shattering in tables or doors.
Now that you're prepared for the worst, you'll find that you can encourage your children
to explore, safe in the knowledge that you've minimised the risk of them having an accident.
For further advice and tips on how to help your children thrive at home, why not take a look at
our further resources.
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