Your home is where you enjoy family, friends, and here in Sarasota – the good life! It should be a refuge for all who live there, which is why babyproofing your home for the littlest residents and guests is so important.
One of the easiest things you can do is to put up baby gates to keep children out of rooms which have not been babyproofed. In this way, you can completely protect a few of the rooms and block access to any others.
Just keep in mind that as children grow, they will become more curious – so watch for indications that they may try to climb over the gate, which is a danger in itself.
Once you have determined which rooms are perfect for baby to play in, there are a few basic tips for making them safe.
Easy Babyproofing Tips
When babyproofing your home, you have to think small. Sit on the floor in each room and look around at what you see at eye level. This will afford you a kids-eye view of what may catch their attention.
Remember that babies and toddlers will investigate everything within reach – every object can be knocked off the table, dirt from every potted plant can be eaten, and every cabinet door can be opened.
- Remove any breakable objects from end tables, coffee tables, and TV consoles. Be overly cautious when placing items out of reach, as it can be surprising just how high their hands can reach. For a few years, resign yourself to not having too many floor-standing items.
- Secure any area rugs with non-skid tape or fasteners, or remove them completely. A room with wall-to-wall carpeting is the best choice to cushion the inevitable falls, but should also be scotch-guarded against all types of spills and accidents.
Here’s a Hint: If you are building a new home, you can put cheaper carpet in some rooms, with the intention of replacing with a more luxurious floor covering once the kids grow a bit. In this way, you won’t have to be overly concerned with ruining a good carpet when life inevitably happens.
- Keep absolutely nothing that can be swallowed within reach. Even if you would never dream they would eat it, if it can fit in their mouth, they might. Secure any object which may be dangerous in a locked cabinet.
- Although it is not always possible to keep young children out of the kitchen, it is imperative to be in the room when they are there. Even young kids love turning knobs and can turn on stove if they are trying to grab onto the appliance for balance. Of course, all cleaning products, dishwashing detergents and food should be kept out of reach.
- Most parents know to put guards on all outlets, but it is also important to keep all electrical cords up off the floor as well. Babies can trip, get tangled, or send a lamp tumbling. Speaking of cords, cordless blinds or cord sheaths are a must for any window in the home.
- When you are floor level, every piece of furniture looks like something to climb. Anchor furniture such as consoles, bookcases, and dressers to the wall to avoid something falling on top of the child.
In Sarasota, many custom homes have swimming pools. The pool area represents the single most important area to babyproof.
Florida state law requires specific alarms to be installed to alert adults if a door to the pool has been opened, but more precautions are necessary. If small children will be at the home, even just to visit, a combination of alarms, a child fence, and even motion sensors in the water should be employed.
When it comes to making sure your child is safe around a swimming pool, nothing is excessive.
If you are building a custom home, ask your general contractor about the features that you can incorporate in order to keep your child safe. Not only will you have greater peace of mind, but you will be adding value to your home for the long run.