Of course, supervision is the number one most important thing you can do to keep your baby safe — but don’t fool yourself, there will be moments when your mobile baby will “get into” something without you noticing  and you want to make doubly sure your house is ready for those moments!

You have some time before your baby will be able to access danger in your home by herself, but we consider these four baby-proofing installs to be the most crucial to get done asap, based on their risk factors.  We’re not trying to instill fear in you; but we do think it is responsible to know the risks. We’re dedicated to helping you get ready as best you can, so you can reduce those risks and breathe a little easier!  Why wait to get them in? Get them installed now, before your baby’s even close to crawling, so you can focus more on the fun when that happens!

#1 – Install Toilet Lid-Locks

Risk Factor:  Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old.  It can happen very quickly and in less than 1 inch of water, so babies and toddlers being around toilets can obviously be very dangerous.

Solution: Keep your child out of the toilet with the inexpensive Mommy’s Helper Toilet Seat Lid-Lok. It will prevent unwanted accidents or losses, but it will also keep your child and your plumbing safe. It’s pretty simple to install and requires minimum effort. It also does not require adhesive tape or glue for installation.  And it can be used on all kinds of bowls and lids and with a one-hand release-system.  This lid lock is easy to open by adults, but not by kids.  It can also be removed when it is no longer required.  Put one on every toilet in your home.

#2 – Install a Kitchen Cabinet Locking System

Risk Factor: Nearly 1.2 million children under the age of 5 are accidentally poisoned each year and 30 children die annually from incidents of accidental poisoning.

Solution: Keep your kitchen cabinets and drawers off-limits to little ones with the Complete Magnetic Locking System by Safety 1st.  Install each lock inside a desired cabinet or drawer and then use the magnetic key to open it when needed. The key is easy to store out of reach from curious children because it’s a magnet itself, so you can stick it high-up on your fridge or on the top of your stove for your easy access. This item includes 8 locks and 1 magnetic key to fit them all.  What’s extra nice about this system is that it features a way to keep the cabinets unlocked if you want, so you can install it now, but keep them unlocked during all of those months before your baby is actually crawling.  Tip: decide with your partner on one place to store the key and make sure to return it to that spot every single time so you don’t lose it!

#3 – Install Blind Cord String Safety Ties

Risk Factor:  Approximately 1 child between the ages of 7 months and 10-years-old dies each month due to accidental strangulation.

Solution: Avoid looped strings, if you can.  Do not hang toys or objects that could be a hazard on the playpen, bassinet, or crib.  Don’t hang drawstring bags where a small child could get their head through the loop of the drawstring.  Do not place a child’s crib, bed, or highchair near a window.  And install blinds that do not have a cord, particularly in a child’s bedroom.

However, if you already have pull cords on the curtains and/or blinds in your home, keep them short and out of reach by installing the Safety First Cord Wind-Ups.  They prevent dangerous accidents by keeping window cords neatly out of your baby’s reach. They’re designed for long-lasting use, they’re totally easy to wind and release, and they clip securely to the window cord.  And they’re super inexpensive too.

#4 – Install Stove Knob Guards and a Front Oven Lock

Risk Factor: Burns are the 11th leading cause of death of children aged 1–9 years old and are also the fifth most common cause of non-fatal childhood injuries.

Solution: Install Safety 1st Clear View Stove Knob Covers.  They are designed to help prevent stove accidents (burns, turning on the gas)  by prohibiting children from turning on the burners or the oven. The hinged lid allows parents convenient access to stove knobs, without removing the product.  Also install a Safety 1st Oven Front Lock so that your baby cannot open the stove.  It features a special heat-resistant latch and adhesive that mounts it to the front of a stove. It can be used on ovens that are flush to kitchen cabinets.  And it too is easy for adults to open.

Other safety products to install: Outlet Covers, Appliance Locks, TV Secure-Strap, Bath Thermometer, Baby Gates, Door Handle Covers, Combination Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors, Corner and Edge Cushions, Fireplace Hearth Gate

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Statistics: “An Agenda to Prevent Injuries and Promote the Safety of Children and Adolescents in The United States” report by: the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Related Posts: Baby Temperatures, Baby Bath, Toy Safety