How to Baby Proof Your House

Safety gates keep the child from wandering where he shouldn't.

More than 4.5 million kids in the United States sustain injuries annually in their homes, the website WebMD reports. Although using baby-safe strategies will reduce your child's risk of injury, remember that such safety devices are no substitute for proper supervision by a responsible adult.

Things You'll Need

• Safety gates
• Kitchen and bathroom safety latches
• Outlet covers
• Playpen

Instructions

1. Install gates to prevent an active baby or toddler from going up the stairs. You can also use these to keep them away from less safe rooms.

2. Baby-proof cabinet doors and drawers. Install safety latches on all your kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinet or vanity doors. Place any dangerous chemical products up high, or better yet switch to environmentally safe cleaners. Place safety devices on doors so the child cannot open them.

3. Cover sharp edges of furniture with padding, remove low and heavy wall decorations and clean the playroom often.

4. Roll up blind cords, cover up electric outlets and remove any broken pieces of household materials. All of those precautions are very important for the baby's health and safety.

5. Use a portable baby playpen to safely confine the child when you need to work around the house. Just give her a few safe toys to play with. Place the pen where you still can keep an eye on her.

6. Install a lock on your toilet lids. This can prevent accidental injuries.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only your back burners for cooking if possible. Avoid placing items close to the edges of counter tops where a toddler can reach.

• You have to keep eye on your baby all the time, eventhough you're baby proofing your house.

References

• WebMD: Baby-Proof Your Home: A How-To Guide