Safe Haven Shares Tips to Keep Your Baby or Toddler Safe in the Home

You’ve registered for every baby item imaginable, scoured hundreds of baby name books for the perfect one, put together a crib that has more parts than IKEA and read every parenting book in preparation. Now, it’s time to baby-proof your home so your little one can always be protected and safe. Throughout Baby Safety Month, practice these tips on safety in the home so you can feel comfortable with the most precious thing in your life.

 

Bedroom

 

Is co-sleeping okay? The American Association of Pediatrics advises against bed sharing because studies show it increases risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They especially advise against it if you have been drinking or are excessively tired. For the first few months, they do recommend keeping the baby in a separate crib in your bedroom.

 

Keep toys and blankets out of the crib. They are a choking hazard for babies. The hanging parts of mobiles should be removed when the baby is strong enough to sit up alone.

Kitchen

 

Babies are extremely good at getting into the spots they aren’t supposed to be. Cabinets at a low level should be locked with latches to keep them securely shut. Move hazardous items like cleaning products up and out of reach. Install covers over stove knobs as babies and toddlers can often reach up. Ditch the tablecloth so your baby doesn’t pull it down, along with everything on top of it. Pet food is also a choking hazard, so make sure not to leave out Fido’s bowl and instead watch as your pet eats and put the food away after your pet is finished.

Everywhere Else

 

Tables and chairs are an easy hazard for children to bump against rough edges and corners. Protect your baby with bumpers on edges and make sure breakables aren’t within reach. Hide electrical cords behind furniture and under rugs. Move tall, wobbly lamps behind furniture and out of reach. Put baby fences on the top and bottom of every staircase.

 

It’s also important to ensure you have an active carbon dioxide monitor. With ADT, you’ll be alerted the moment it is unsafe. Lock all doors at night, which can also be done with a touch of a button with the ADT Pulse App. Set up baby monitors and gain peace of mind with home security cameras.
Practice these baby proofing tips and and feel free to learn more on our Facebook page! If you’d like to set up a consultation for a home monitoring system, we encourage you to visit our website.