6 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
Home is where the heart is, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, it’s also where the most accidents occur if you aren’t careful to prevent them!
For new parents, in particular, the hazards around the house are important to catch. These can greatly threaten the safety of a baby who has just started crawling or a mischievous and independent toddler.
New parents and parents-to-be should take the time to find and prevent these common household hazards. Your child’s well-being and your sanity depend on it! Here are some things to look out for.
6 ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR BABY PROOFING CHECKLIST
Baby proofing your home is a rite of passage for all parents - and fur-parents. As soon as your little one is on the move, it's time to whip out your baby proofing checklist! Don't have on? We've got you covered. Check out our go-tos here.
Until then, don't forget to protect your bub from these 6 common hazards.
Appliances
Appliances can certainly pose a threat to the exploring young child, and it’s important for a parent to make sure that nothing can happen even while there is no adult supervision in the room.
For example, dishwashers should always be kept tightly closed with all sharp knives and objects pointed downward. Stovetops should be checked for stability - there have been cases where they have pitched forward! Televisions or other heavy items should be anchored properly as well.
Nobody wants their little one getting hurt or causing damage to the home (such as fires) because they have been playing with something they shouldn't be!
The Family Pet
You love your cat and dog and your child probably does too. However, leaving your tot alone with Rover or Fluffy is not a terribly safe or wise idea.
Dogs and cats can be antagonized by well-meaning young children, often to the point of clawing, biting, and retaliating in unexpected ways.
Avoid putting your pet in this tough situation by always supervising playtime and showing your child how to gently interact with their four-legged siblings.
Find our top tips on how to achieve purrrfection with babies and cats here. You'll also want to check out these baby safety tips for dogs to keep your babies and furbabies safe and happy.
Electrical Outlets and Wires
It’s not a secret that electrical outlets are a hazard to children, and making sure all outlets are covered is important. But in today’s tech-friendly world, wires and other gadgets left around the house can also pose a threat.
How can you avoid any issues with your little ones? Unplug all gadgets and appliances as much as possible, shorten cords and avoid using long extensions to ensure your young child does not attempt to play with a live wire.
Try and keep your little ones away from plug points they can put their pingers in. Opting for baby-safe outlets is an important part of baby-proofing your home.
Chemicals
When parents think about household chemicals being a hazard to young children, it’s often bleach or other highly toxic cleaning products that spring to mind.
But other seemingly innocuous items can also be harmful to a baby or toddler, including toiletry items or makeup. Keep them out of reach.
Even if cleaning materials are no longer stored there, chemical smells may linger and could be dangerous to a child if they play under sinks. Store laundry products on high shelves because many detergents can cause rashes or itching on a child's sensitive skin.
Furniture and Decor
Adults often joke about having a home that looks like it’s been proofed for babies and toddlers - i.e., nothing fancy. However, the truth is that certain furnishings can be threatening to a child who’s just learning to crawl or walk.
Furniture that has sharp corners or glass accompaniments or offers actions such as rocking back and forth should be moved out of the child’s path. Decorative items that are easily breakable or heavy should be moved from reach as well.
Once your little one starts crawling and walking, there's no stopping them! You'll want to make sure that they can move around your home safely, without causing harm to themselves or your furniture.
Swimming Pools
When it comes to babyproofing your home, the swimming pool should probably be the first item on your list!
We all love the look and mood of a sparkling swimming pool during warmer months, but this oasis can be a deathtrap for young children. If your backyard has a swimming pool, use extra caution in making sure it is not accessible to your baby or toddler.
Doors that lead outside should be tightly closed and locked at all times. In fact, a gate around the pool area is even better. Remind any babysitters, visitors, or older children to be aware of the dangers as well.
HOW DOES DOOR BUDDY HELP WITH BABY & TODDLER PROOFING?
Door Buddy keeps active babies and toddlers out of any room of your home by keeping the door open a little for your cats to go in and out, but not wide enough for them to enter.
Unlike baby gates, Door Buddy doesn't require any cutting or drilling, and it is super easy for parents and older kids to unlatch and open or close the door completely.
Our adjustable pet door strap also works on most doors, including sliding, bi-fold, and pocket doors. It's your go-to when it comes to babyproofing items to get for your home.
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