There’s so much to prepare when you’re expecting that babyproofing likely hasn’t crossed your mind. While decorating the nursery is exciting, don’t sacrifice safety! Before you know it, your little one will be on the move—scooting, crawling, and walking faster than you can say “baby gates.”
Getting your home babyproofed before your newborn arrives is a smart way to stay ahead of household hazards. While some parents wait until baby is on the move, tackling this early can save you a lot of stress later. Keep reading for tips on babyproofing without sacrificing style. Safety and chic can go hand in hand!
How to Childproof a Living Room
The living room might be a cozy retreat, but for a curious baby, it’s full of potential hazards. For a childproof living room, follow these tips to tackle the job like a pro:
- Cover electrical outlets: Babies like to put their fingers into anything they can find. A simple and affordable way to eliminate this hazard is to install outlet covers.
- Secure furniture: Walk around the room and check for any large items that could tip over. Anchor TVs, dressers, lamps, entertainment centers, or any top-heavy furniture securely to the wall.
- Babyproof floors: If you have slippery floors, cover them with non-toxic, washable rugs (making sure to have non-slip backing underneath), or consider adding carpet. If bare floors remain, keep baby sock-free while they’re learning to walk.
- Remove small items: Regularly vacuum and scan the room for small objects that could end up in baby’s mouth. It’s an easy way to eliminate choking hazards.
- Cover sharp corners: Babies on the move can bump into just about anything. Get rid of the risk of goose eggs by covering hard corners with soft cushioning.
- Screen the fireplace: If you have a fireplace, block access with a screen. And remember, children should never be near an active fire unsupervised.
- Use cordless blinds: If you have blinds with cords, now may be the time to consider replacing them. If you can’t choose blinds without cords, be sure to adjust the cord so they’re completely out of reach.
By following these top living room child safety tips, you can keep your baby safe and secure.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
How to Childproof a Bathroom
Another room you’ll be spending a lot of time in but is full of hazards is the bathroom. Keep bath time fun—and safe—with these tried and true bathroom childproofing tips:
- Adjust the water heater: Childproof bathroom safety starts with setting your water heater to a maximum of 120°F to protect your baby from scalding water. Even with this adjustment, be sure to test the water each time you run a bath for added safety.
- Install toilet locks: Curious babies love to explore, so keep the toilet lid closed and add a toilet lock to prevent baby from exploring (or flushing) anything they shouldn’t.
- Use non-slip mats: Add non-slip mats to the bathtub and bathroom floors to keep your little one (and yourself!) steady and safe.
- Secure medications and supplies: Lock up cabinets to keep cleaning supplies, medications, and beauty products out of reach. For extra safety, avoid storing items near the counter’s edge
- Cover faucet handles: Add soft cushioning to the bath faucet to prevent any bathtime injuries.
- Practice tub safety: This one’s non-negotiable: never leave your baby unattended in the tub, not even for a second. Keep everything you need within arm’s reach so you can stay close.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Stylish Childproofing Ideas
Safety doesn’t have to clash with style. You can keep your home looking fabulous while babyproofing with these stylish childproofing tips:
- Baby gates: There are many decorative childproofing solutions and baby gates you can choose from. Many baby gates come in sleek designs that blend with home decor. Opt for installed baby gates over pressure-mounted ones for added security.
- Stylish storage: Keep toys tidy without sacrificing safety. Instead of a traditional toy box with a lid, avoid pinched fingers with a lid-free basket or container instead.
- Rethink the gallery wall: A gallery wall above the crib might sound dreamy, but it’s not the safest choice for grabby small hands. Instead, consider painting the wall with non-toxic, chemical-free paint and avoid any primer, or add personality with fun wallpaper or decals.
- Protect upholstery: Outside of safety, it’s a good idea to use non-toxic, washable slip covers over furniture to keep them looking clean and fresh. When spills or messes happen (and they will!), just toss the cover in the wash for a quick refresh.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Childproofing Tips for Kitchen and Stairs
The kitchen can be a hazardous spot—even for adults. Keep it safe for your little one with these expert childproofing kitchen ideas:
- Install cabinet locks: While keeping cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink may be convenient for you, you definitely need to add cabinet locks, or move them to a higher location. Don’t forget to install safety latches on drawers with sharp objects like knives or scissors.
- Use stove knob covers: Prevent accidental burns by adding stove knob covers. It’s a simple step to add peace of mind.
- Block the stairs: Practice stair safety for kids by installing gates at the top and bottom of any staircases. Gates can also block access to other areas of the house you don’t want baby to enter, including offices (hello, electrical cords!) or the garage.
- Keep choking hazards out of reach: Tiny items can be tempting for little hands. Keep batteries, small objects, and other potential choking hazards far from the edge of counters. Batteries are especially dangerous—when mixed with saliva, they can become toxic, so store them securely.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Creating a Safe and Stylish Home
With these tips, striking the perfect balance between safety and style is more than doable. By tailoring solutions to each room, you can create a home that’s both functional and beautiful. If you need a helping hand with babyproofing your home, look no further than qualified babyproofing services on Taskrabbit. Your local neighborhood Tasker is ready to make your home safe and chic!
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
