How to Babyproof your Home

Here's some basic steps on making the house safe for your little one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• electric outlet covers
• duct tape
• cabinet child locks
• doorknob child locks
• gates

1. Put away any small objects such as jewelry, coins, small magnets, beads, etc. Anything small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll is considered a choking hazard. Just keep these items out of reach.

2. Put chemicals and other toxins in high cupboards out of reach. Put latches on all cupboards that baby can get into. Even if the chemicals are out of reach, there are other hazards inside.

3. Put covers on all electrical outlets to prevent electrocution and burns.

4. Make sure all windows have securely fitting screens and all stairways have child gates to prevent falls. Also put gates in doorways of any rooms baby should not enter, such as the bathroom or home office.

5. Gather long curtain or blinds cords and knot or tape them. This will help avoid strangulation or other injuries.

6. Any electrical cords running along the floor should be duct taped to avoid having them chewed on.

7. Put guards on home theater appliances like the DVD player, stereo or video game console. These guards can be found at a baby supply store.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel like you need to buy every baby proofing product at the store, just get what you feel you and your family need.
• Never leave your baby unattended, even with a baby proofed house, accidents can still happen.
• If there is an accident, call 911 or poison control.