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Spent some time at one of my favorite places in th Spent some time at one of my favorite places in the world earlier this week, with some of my favorite people, and it was so dang good for the soul 🌸 more flowering tree and shrub content comin at you this week just because! Also...⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
🌿 Mini Gifting 🌿⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
A little thank you for supporting me!! I’m gifting a personally curated gardening package to one winner, all you have to do is follow me @christinemcovino and my other account @christineandcoliving, then head to my stories for the rest of the entry instructions 🥳
Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have a bountiful crop this year, whatever you grow! ((Peony tip: feed early-emerging shoots with a high phosphorus fertilizer for strong, lush blooms!)). Find more gardening tips on the blog, link is in my bio 🌿
Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be cele Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be celebrating your first birthday. You should be crawling around, playing, laughing and eating too much cake today.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
You should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My sweet boy I miss you more than words, I ache to hold you. We walked the orchard and planted flower seeds in your memory. We got winks from you in the form of the earth waking up, all the yellow blooms, including your magnolia which couldn’t have had better timing. It’s comforting to see you say hi.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And still, you should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
He was here for a time. He existed. He mattered. He deserves to be celebrated.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I loved him from the second I saw the +test. I fell deeper in love every time I saw his energetic body bounce around on the ultrasound screen, I have all the blissful bump photos and I have the memory of his sweet little kicks. God I miss those kicks.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My love did not end when he died.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Liam’s ashes, a few scan photos, my memory and an index card with his footprints are all that remains. I both hate that this is all I have left and am eternally grateful that I have them at all.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I found some comfort today but these anniversaries are also hard. I relive the trauma. The terror, shock, fear, disbelief, agony of being told your baby is dying. So deep and so crushing. Part of me died in that moment, part of me will never be the same again.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is nothing in this world more painful than living without your baby. You feel the heaviness, the absence, the longing for them constantly. The grief is always there, it ebbs and flows but it changes you to your core. You adapt to feeling the constant emptiness, your aching heart, your soft but heavy eyes, the shortness of your breath, that lump in your throat.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And yet, I feel immensely fortunate to have carried you for every moment of your life. I will never regret the time we spent together, loving you, carrying you, feeling you, celebrating you and envisioning the life you would have had. I will carry the insatiable longing to hold you until the day I die. You will always be my baby. You will always be missed. I will never stop loving and mothering you, my sweet Liam James ❤️
How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me I think 🥰😍
April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗 April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗
I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in th I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in the blink of an eye 🥺 My Elora. We are doing great ❤️ we’re nursing and bedsharing and babywearing and contact napping and I’m literally soaking in every moment with her. Months 4 and 5 have been the best yet. My body knows what to do and I follow her cues. We’re super in tune and I feel like it’s making both of us happier humans.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is this unspoken narrative in our society that somehow attachment between mom and baby is a weakness, a crutch. I say f that, it’s one of the most beautiful strengths that exists in this universe. Period.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama if you’re reading this and need some validation or reassurance, I got you. It’s ok to cuddle and rock and nurse and sing your baby to sleep. Follow your instincts, tune out the noise, feel empowered in your motherly intuition and find your confidence in that. It is so incredibly liberating.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I know it’s a confusing landscape out there for new moms, I hear you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stress that you’re not doing something “right” or that your baby is “broken.” I’m not saying motherhood is easy for me, it’s the hardest (and best) thing I’ve ever done, but when women have the support they actually need and feel empowered in motherhood, that’s next-level world-changing stuff.⁣⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama knows best, never forget it ❤️
Pregnancy after loss (PAL). Wrapping up this month Pregnancy after loss (PAL). Wrapping up this month of #pregnancyafterloss awareness by answering my two most asked questions ——⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
How did I know I was ready to try again and how did I survive my PAL?⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Well friend, I have no definitive answer for you. I don’t know how I knew I was “ready,” I just knew I desperately wanted to be pregnant again, and I do not know how I survived.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Contrary to what I thought prior to having my own PAL experience, I was not “better” or “healed” or “over” my baby’s death once pregnant again. I think the only thing I could do was lean into the conflicting feelings and accept that they coexist for me (grief and joy, for example).⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I want to share with you the two thoughts that did help ——⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
1. We were not replacing our baby (Liam), we were adding a sibling. Luca would be a big brother, as would Liam. My heart would expand for another child, not an “instead” child. Truly believing and accepting this was very helpful to me in my moments of guilt.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
2. This was the most profound realization for me: That I would love this baby whether she lived or died. How did I know this? Because the grief I feel for Liam is love. I love my babies from the moment I know they exist. So during my PAL I thought, if this baby died too it wouldn’t change that love. I embraced and accepted that. I think it’s actually what allowed me to take these maternity pictures two weeks before she was born. It wasn’t hope, it was that I loved her and would want to remember our time together either way.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
So maybe that is how I was able to survive. One day at a time, one thought at a time, facing the hard truths, embracing the pain of loss. Because, I’ll be honest, hope was hard for me.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Do I have magical advice? No. PAL was hard, it was a shitstorm of emotions and I feel like I just held on for dear life. Do whatever you have to do to survive, just know you are not crazy for the feelings. You are human 🤍

More resources can be found in my PAL highlights, reels and on my blog (link in bio) under ‘baby loss.’
This sweet babe is growing so fast!⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Our beautiful @shoplovedua bassinet has been one of our most used baby items this time around! Functional and timeless, it is an item that grows with your babe, AND it’s discounted 25% today — head over to their page to shop 🥳⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
📷: @mymotherhoodstory
Growing through it 🌿 I was thinking back and re Growing through it 🌿 I was thinking back and reflecting on the past 365 days this morning. It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Early March 2020 I found out I was pregnant again after back to back losses. I was hopeful and relieved but also doubtful, disconnected and terrified. I spoke in “ifs” not “whens.” I felt guilt and resentment and anger but also was so incredibly grateful.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
We were quickly approaching Liam’s edd in April, a time that I deeply dreaded, and not even one week later went into full lock down pandemic mode.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I was a total wreck. Things felt veryyy out of control and uncertain.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I did the only thing I could do, I focused on what I could control. I continued therapy, started using tools like essential oils to help me stay grounded + present and threw myself full force into gardening.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I quite literally and physically GREW through my anxiety, pain and grief last year. My garden kept me grounded and sane and helped me feel connected to my body and my heart, out in the garden was one of the only places I felt safe letting my mind wander and imagine a living baby in my arms.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Growing veggies and flowers for my family was within my control and was exactly what I needed in this situation of heavy uncertainty — uncertainty both within myself and in the world.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
March 2020 and March 2021 Christines are very different, I’ve realized the journey isn’t TO healing, healing IS the journey, it’s doesn’t ever end. I’m proud of where I’m at and humbled to think about where I’ve come from 💗
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Christine Covino

- The Blog -

Ten Ways to Easily Babyproof Your Home

January 15, 2019 / Mom & Baby

This post may contain affiliate links. Original photography by Victoria Gloria.

You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your baby, here are 10 ways to easily babyproof your home to keep your baby safe!

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!

Shop Amazon Babyproofing Products Below!

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Spent some time at one of my favorite places in th Spent some time at one of my favorite places in the world earlier this week, with some of my favorite people, and it was so dang good for the soul 🌸 more flowering tree and shrub content comin at you this week just because! Also...⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
🌿 Mini Gifting 🌿⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
A little thank you for supporting me!! I’m gifting a personally curated gardening package to one winner, all you have to do is follow me @christinemcovino and my other account @christineandcoliving, then head to my stories for the rest of the entry instructions 🥳
Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have a bountiful crop this year, whatever you grow! ((Peony tip: feed early-emerging shoots with a high phosphorus fertilizer for strong, lush blooms!)). Find more gardening tips on the blog, link is in my bio 🌿
Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be cele Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be celebrating your first birthday. You should be crawling around, playing, laughing and eating too much cake today.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
You should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My sweet boy I miss you more than words, I ache to hold you. We walked the orchard and planted flower seeds in your memory. We got winks from you in the form of the earth waking up, all the yellow blooms, including your magnolia which couldn’t have had better timing. It’s comforting to see you say hi.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And still, you should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
He was here for a time. He existed. He mattered. He deserves to be celebrated.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I loved him from the second I saw the +test. I fell deeper in love every time I saw his energetic body bounce around on the ultrasound screen, I have all the blissful bump photos and I have the memory of his sweet little kicks. God I miss those kicks.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My love did not end when he died.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Liam’s ashes, a few scan photos, my memory and an index card with his footprints are all that remains. I both hate that this is all I have left and am eternally grateful that I have them at all.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I found some comfort today but these anniversaries are also hard. I relive the trauma. The terror, shock, fear, disbelief, agony of being told your baby is dying. So deep and so crushing. Part of me died in that moment, part of me will never be the same again.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is nothing in this world more painful than living without your baby. You feel the heaviness, the absence, the longing for them constantly. The grief is always there, it ebbs and flows but it changes you to your core. You adapt to feeling the constant emptiness, your aching heart, your soft but heavy eyes, the shortness of your breath, that lump in your throat.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And yet, I feel immensely fortunate to have carried you for every moment of your life. I will never regret the time we spent together, loving you, carrying you, feeling you, celebrating you and envisioning the life you would have had. I will carry the insatiable longing to hold you until the day I die. You will always be my baby. You will always be missed. I will never stop loving and mothering you, my sweet Liam James ❤️
How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me I think 🥰😍
April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗 April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗
I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in th I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in the blink of an eye 🥺 My Elora. We are doing great ❤️ we’re nursing and bedsharing and babywearing and contact napping and I’m literally soaking in every moment with her. Months 4 and 5 have been the best yet. My body knows what to do and I follow her cues. We’re super in tune and I feel like it’s making both of us happier humans.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is this unspoken narrative in our society that somehow attachment between mom and baby is a weakness, a crutch. I say f that, it’s one of the most beautiful strengths that exists in this universe. Period.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama if you’re reading this and need some validation or reassurance, I got you. It’s ok to cuddle and rock and nurse and sing your baby to sleep. Follow your instincts, tune out the noise, feel empowered in your motherly intuition and find your confidence in that. It is so incredibly liberating.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I know it’s a confusing landscape out there for new moms, I hear you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stress that you’re not doing something “right” or that your baby is “broken.” I’m not saying motherhood is easy for me, it’s the hardest (and best) thing I’ve ever done, but when women have the support they actually need and feel empowered in motherhood, that’s next-level world-changing stuff.⁣⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama knows best, never forget it ❤️

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