This post may contain affiliate links. Original photography by Victoria Gloria.
There’s nothing like a mobile baby to make you realize how unsafe your home is! Suddenly, EVERYTHING needs to be locked or removed or put out of reach. Luca is currently scooting around, about to crawl, and I’m on high alert with keeping him away from all of the household hazards – things that were seemingly insignificant even just a couple days ago!
I asked my Instagram community last week for some tips on how to babyproof and, as always, they did not disappoint with their feedback! Thank you so much if you were one of the people who responded, I’ve rounded up the recommendations below. If you’re looking for other helpful baby items check out my recent post Baby Must-Haves Months 6-12!
Click on any PINK WORD or image to shop the recommended product!
Ten Ways to Easily Babyproof Your Home
Stairs
Keep the stairs blocked off – this may seem like a given, but the second you aren’t looking, baby will wander over there and toddle off the edge. Just don’t risk it! Keep in mind that pressure gates are not safe for landings at the top of stairs. Be sure to get gates that actually fasten to the banister or screw into the wall for the top of stairs.
Cabinets and Drawers
There is just so much to explore when you can finally get into that kitchen cabinet, isn’t there? Magnetic locks are the best babyproofing mechanism ever invented! My friend told me about them, and I am obsessed!
Check them out here.
They are super secure and you can choose to keep them on the locked or unlocked setting. We will probably leave them on the cabinet and use them again for grandkids if we’re still in the same house! These locks also have an incredible rating on Amazon – 4.5 stars and over 1k reviews!
Wires and Cables
You know how you just have your phone charger laying around? Or the cords to the blinds that reach the floor? Bet you never noticed! Wires laying around on the ground is not the best idea when your little one starts scooting around. They like to chew on them (because you know, everything goes straight into their mouth) and they also enjoy wrapping cords around their necks and any other part of their body they can fit it around. So scary! Definitely keep all wires and cords tucked away and out of reach.
This little gadget or this box is perfect for keeping wires together.
Outlets
This seems to be the first thing everyone thinks of after blocking the stairs off. Babies really do love to stick their fingers in anything that looks interesting. The cheap plastic covers are basic but work surprisingly well. Be warned though, they are a beast to get out sometimes! I guess that’s a good thing since you are trying to keep trouble out, right?
Grab some outlet covers here.
Remotes
Many people don’t realize the dangers television remotes present. Keep them up high! Babies like the way the buttons feel when they bit down, but this is not safe for them! The buttons aren’t always very secure and pop off pretty easily. Also, there are always batteries in remotes and those can come out easily in the hands of a baby. I grabbed this play remote for Luca to keep him entertained (it’s also educational!)
Furniture
Something that has been brought to light in the last couple of years is making sure to secure furniture to the wall. Usually, some hardware comes with the original furniture packaging but I’m pretty sure we threw that stuff out (whoops!). Good news is you can purchase anti-tip kits (straps) to fasten your furniture to the wall. And, don’t forget about the TV! If you have a television on a stand somewhere, be sure to buy straps to secure it. Anything freestanding that could tip needs to be secured in some way. Think dressers, sofa tables, stools, and nightstands. Most toddlers have a strong desire to climb!
These straps will work great for TVs and furniture.
Doors and Door Handles
I know what your thinking, baby can’t reach those! Believe me…they will be able to reach the door handle before you know it. More importantly, you want to keep those sweet little fingers from getting smashed.
Grab some pinch guards, knob locks and handle covers to save your sanity.
Bathtub & Toilet
You can never be too careful around water with your little one, it is one of my worst fears. As a swimmer myself I plan on getting Luca lessons asap (babies can start learning around 6 months!). Once babies are mobile, they don’t want to lay in a baby bath anymore. Sticking an antislip mat on your tub floor will prevent baby from sliding around when they are sitting up or trying to maneuver around in the water. Along with that, be sure to grab a spout cover!
The toilet is another household thing people often forget about! You definitely don’t want your kid playing with toilet water. Try these (recommended above as well) to lock the seat down!
Chemicals & Medication
Put them up high AND lock all chemicals/cleaners/medication away! Everyone always automatically thinks of cleaners, but don’t neglect all of the other chemicals around the house like your soaps in the shower and other beauty products on the counter and in drawers in the bathroom.
Air Vents & Outlet Covers
This may not be something for west coasters, but over here we have our vents near or on the floor. It’s the perfect place for babies to either stick their fingers in the grate or put things in the vent. Putting tule underneath the vent catches all the crazy stuff your baby or toddler will try to put in there.
I hope this post was helpful, at the end of the day we all just want to keep our kiddos safe! Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips on how to babyproof or products that have worked for you!
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