Being a parent for the first time is nothing short of nerve-racking. There are probably thousands of things running through your head right now, from making sure your baby gets enough sleep or that you get to see the pediatrician regularly.
But if there’s one thing you need to take care of before everything else, it’s child-proofing your home. In the state of Colorado, according to statistics, 1,152 children ages birth to 14 years old get injured every week. You don’t want your precious tot to hurt themselves.
Start by making your home the safest place for your baby. Take a look at some of the nifty tips to get you started on child-proofing your home.
Remove the cords
Cords and wires pose a serious strangulation threat to your baby. You need to keep them away or remove any cord that your child might get their hands on. In the nursery, for example, window blind cords are often the ones that can be easily reached by a child.
Take into account the window blind design and see if you can shorten or remove the cord altogether.
Watch out for molds
You don’t want molds anywhere near your child. A child’s immune system can become vulnerable when exposed to mold spores, which could lead to respiratory health problems. Before turning a room into a nursery, be extra sure there are no molds or mildew present.
Usually, they are a result of water damage like condensation or leaking pipes. Water damage restoration experts in Denver suggest to get rid of the moisture, disinfect the area and repair or replace the damaged parts immediately.
Keep plants off the floor
The rule of thumb to keep plants out of reach from babies. They might grab trailing vines, hanging leaves or a handful of soil which are choking hazards. It’s best if you have a garden or any outdoor space where you can put your plants, away from the curious hands of children.
Get a baby gate
This does not need an explanation, but some parents still think twice about getting one. Especially if your child starts crawling or walking, it’s always best to get a baby gate. The gaps should not be big enough for a baby to squeeze in through. If the play area is near the stair, get one with locks for extra measure.
Put all toys far away from the baby gate to lessen the chances of your child wandering near the door.
Choose non-slip mats
It’s also a good idea to make sure to use non-slip mats in the bathroom, both for you and your growing child. Bathing your child is a good parent-child activity, and the last thing you want is to lose your balance and slip.
Child-proofing is more than just making each table corner padded or each outlet covered. It’s about rethinking the design of your home to make sure your precious child can move freely and safely. After all, it’s the home that they will grow up in.
Every detail counts and planning it out early on helps you make your home safer for your child.
