There’s so much excitement when you’re expecting a new baby — whether it’s your first or fourth. As you prepare to welcome your bundle of joy, be sure to keep babyproofing in mind. While you won’t need to babyproof immediately, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for where you need baby gates, toilet seat locks, outlet covers and more. There are also inexpensive ways to babyproof using items you may already have around the house!
- Cabinet locks. Use rubber bands or hair ties around cabinet doorknobs. Create a figure 8 to tighten it more.
- Doorknob deterrents. If you have round doorknobs, you can put a sock over it and then secure it in place with a rubber band. That way little hands won’t get a good grip to try and open the door.
- Sharp corners no more! Cut open tennis balls or pool noodles and place them on sharp corners. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it will prevent booboos! You can also use pool noodles as door stoppers.
- Electrical outlets. Place masking, painter’s or duct tape over electrical outlets to prevent curious fingers from making a shocking discovery.
- Toy test. Choking hazards are everywhere for young children. If you need to know whether an item could pose a risk, grab a toilet paper tube and drop the item in. If it fits through, then it’s a choking hazard for children ages three years old and younger.
Other important babyproofing items to keep in mind include:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Furniture anchors
- Stove-knob covers
- Cordless blinds
- Finger-pinch guards for doors
- A bath thermometer
- Toilet seat locks
- Baby gates
- Medicine cabinet locks
