The First Thing to Know about Baby Proofing a New Home

1. The first thing to know about baby proofing a home is that you will need to cover any and all sharp furniture edges. This includes corners, or bumpers! Cover them with safety padding, or other soft material that will stay there for their safety. 

2. Keep all hot water taps and water access out of reach! When babies start exploring, they may start turning knobs if they can. Make sure they have little access to these in your home, or you can edit your hot water heater to not go above 120 degrees. 

3. Keep the bathroom doors locked! Bathrooms are a big cause of injury, especially if a child is left unsupervised. Cabinets and drawers should all be locked, and baby proofed to keep them safe. Invest in child proof locks for everything, even the toilet and mirror if applicable!

4. Cribs and mattresses should also be adjusted for the baby’s age! As they grow, make sure the rails on the crib can be adjusted accordingly. No unnecessary blankets or pillows should be in the bed for a newborn either!

5. Watch out for heavy objects around the home! After six months of age, babies will start to explore more and more. This includes rolling around the house, which can be dangerous if there are things in your new home that are heavy! When moving into your new home or preparing your existing one, be mindful of how the layout of your home can be unsafe for a baby.