Baby-Proofing Facts

Dr. William Sears, author the "The Baby Book" says that one out of three infant deaths is caused by an accident. Baby-proofing is an important way to protect your baby from possible death or injury. Safe toys and baby-proofing items can help make a home safe for infants, toddlers and children.

Protection at Eye Level is Essential

Babies see things from a completely different level and in different ways. To know how to best baby-proof, it's important to spend some time viewing your home from the baby's perspective. "Parents" magazine suggests taking a crawling tour. This is an important way to make sure you're noticing all potential hazards. Sears suggests crawling from room to room and looking at objects from a baby's eye level and for things that are within a toddler's reach. Older children can help search for possible safety hazards, too.

Safe Toys Can Protect Baby from Accidents

Because babies tend to put objects in their mouths, safe toys are important. When purchasing a toy, make sure it doesn't have any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Sears says that a good rule of thumb is to make sure a toy and all of its parts are larger than the opening of a test tube. Anything smaller than that could get stuck in a baby's airway.

If a toy has a dangling string, it shouldn't be longer than 8 inches. A longer string could pose a strangulation risk. If you do purchase some of these toys, cut the string before giving them to a baby.

Make sure that baby's toys don't have sharp edges or splinters. Though a toy may be safe when first purchased, normal wear and tear could cause parts to break off or become loose. Watch for potential hazards in older toys.

Keep an older child's toys away from the baby's reach. If an older child has a toy out, make sure to keep an eye on the baby.

Baby-Proofing Products Help Make a Home Safe

Baby gates are easy ways to keep a baby or toddler out of a particular room or area. Several different models exist. Spend some time baby-proofing rooms that a baby or toddler can access. All outlets should be covered with outlet covers. Latch all cabinets and drawers that contain items that might harmful for a baby. Large pieces of furniture such as dressers, TV stands or book shelves should be screwed to the wall. Book shelves, for instance, could crush a baby if she were to climb on them.

Most stores have a wide variety of items for baby-proofing. Before purchasing, though, check out other parents' reviews of the product, as some products might not work in your home or situation.

References

• The Baby Book; Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears; 1993
• Parents: Baby-Proofing 101