Wondering how to baby-proof your house? Baby-proofing is about more than just locking your doors and windows. It is also about making sure that your home is safe for your little one. It includes keeping your baby away from sharp objects, harmful chemicals and poisons, sharp corners, and other potential dangers.
However, for a first-time mom or a seasoned mama and Northern Virginia newborn photographer like myself, the process can be overwhelming. I want to start by saying that you need to remember that you can’t protect your baby from everything. Accidents will happen, and I want you to forgive yourself for that now.
Okay, great. Now, let’s talk about some of the most common ways to baby-proof your house!
Top Four Ways To Baby-Proof Your House
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Keep Your Baby’s Room Clean
The most important way to baby-proof your house is to clean up the nursery. This is where your little one will likely spend most of their time. So, this should be your first point of attention. It’s important to not only make sure the crib and other furniture in the room are secure but there are also some fine details to tend to.
For example, if you have a hardwood floor in the nursery, lay down some non-slip rugs. This will ensure you don’t slip and fall while holding your baby. If you have a dresser or nightstand in the nursery, baby lock the drawers closed! This will prevent accidentally pinched fingers! Read on a little further for some more great tips that you can apply to the area!
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Cover the Electrical Outlets in Your Home
As I’m sure you’re aware, babies are very well-known for putting their fingers where they don’t belong, as well as tiny objects its hidden places. Electrical outlets tend to be one of the most popular spots for babies to hide their treasures. The problem is that this can cause him or her to get electrocuted!
We don’t want that. So, purchase some outlet covers so that you can keep the outlets “closed” during babyproofing times.
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Keep all Dangerous Items Out of Reach
One of the best ways to baby-proof your house is to make sure that all dangerous items like sharp knives, matches, and even garden hoses are kept out of reach of children. This also applies to some objects that you may not think as being “dangerous.” For example, any chorded item that is above the baby’s head. A table lamp with a chord needs to be kept out of the way or at the chord at least needs to be impossible to access. This is so they don’t accidentally injure themselves or others with these objects while playing around on their own accord or using them by accident because they’re too young to understand what they’re doing wrong.
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Restrict Access to Other Rooms & Stairs
When you baby-proof your home, it is also about limiting their general radius around your home. This means making sure that there are no stairs in their path and that they can’t get into other rooms. Your best bet is to place a baby gate at the top and bottom of staircases so that they can’t try to climb the stairs or accidentally fall down them if they’re up top with you.
Consider having a playpen area as well with their toys so that they can hang out while you do chores around the house. You know they’re perfectly safe and not getting into trouble!
Final Thoughts On How To Baby-Proof Your House
I hope you feel like you have a better understanding of what baby-proofing is and why it’s important. I also hope that you feel empowered to take action and begin protecting your home from unexpected dangers. I want to take this time to let you know that as a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, I keep my studio as safe as I can to ensure your little one’s safety during our sessions! I cannot wait to hear from you and get their big debut scheduled!
Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below:
- Top 3 Morning Sickness Tips You Need to Know: Northern Virginia Maternity Photographer
- 4 Tips For Traveling With A Newborn In 2023
- Newborn Photography Session In Northern Virginia: 5 Best Benefits Of Outdoor Photoshoots
Stephanie Honikel is a distinguished DC & Northern Virginia newborn photographer, specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. With a keen eye for capturing timeless moments, she has been recognized as one of the Best Maternity Photographers in DC for 2024 and Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, VA in 2024. Stephanie’s work emphasizes safety and emotional connection, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed session experience. She offers a full-service approach, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe options, and custom artwork. Reach out today to book your session!
So many great tips! I just adore your knowledge and gorgeous portraits! 😍
I remember when I was little and my younger siblings were babies all of outlets were covered. It’s so important because they are right at the babies height and they can so easily get hurt!