Baby Proofing is essentially a mission in thinking like a toddler and removing anything from your home that could be dangerous to your little one - or at least have it put up high enough or behind locked doors so they can't reach it. The first step is to get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the house. What's down there at toddler level?
It helps to think of things in major categories:
- Outlets - There are plastic plugs you can put into empty outlets to prevent shocks. It's best if you can have a piece of furniture in front of any outlets you're using.
- Cleaners - Try to use natural products if you can but even in this event, keep them up high. Just make sure they're sealed well so you don't dump product in your eyes when pulling them down.
- Small stuff - Babies put everything in their mouths. If the item can fit into a toilet paper tube, it's small enough that your child could choke on. This is one of those things where you'll need to crawl around your house on a regular basis to see what you can find.
- Stairs and landings - Make sure you have gates up that are strong and stable. Toddlers will push on them. Make sure landings have secure boundaries so baby can't climb them or get through them. " Drawers and cabinets - Make sure there's nothing inside that can hurt baby because eventually they do get in! The goal here is to prevent pinching. There are a number of choices in securing your drawers so that you can get in and baby can't.
- Hot surfaces - Stoves and other hot surfaces should be secured with a gate, fence or guard. Stove guards are available so little ones can't reach the burners. Wood burning stoves need a gate around them tall enough that baby can't get in and get burned.
- Sharp things and edges - Keep knives, razors and scissors locked up and out of baby's reach.
- Water hazards - You might think about covering your pool and hot tub (with a hard cover, not just plastic) but what about your toilet? Make sure you don't have buckets of liquid around, that you soak things in the washer instead of a large, low sink and that the toilet lid is secured. Also make sure that your water heater is turned down and always check the temperature before bathing baby.
- Cords and plastic - make sure cords are short and out of reach. Keep plastic bags and tubs in a locked cabinet - up and away from baby.
- Antiques - Old furniture can be painted with lead paint and have rusty nails sticking out that you may not notice. Carefully look at each piece for dangers.
- Things you don't think of - shampoo, mouthwash, fingernail polish and remover, perfume, make up - all need to be put up and away from baby. Medicine needs to be kept up - even if they have childproof lids.
- Prevention - Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers - as well as an escape plan are essentials. Catches on windows so they can't be opened enough for baby to fall out. Screens are weak and cannot support the weight of a baby.
- Foods - assume your toddler is going to chew on everything around the house EXCEPT for food. Often they swallow what you give them whole. Make sure that it can be eaten safely without chewing.
This isn't a comprehensive list, but it's a good start. You might want to check out The Consumer Reports Guide to Childproofing & Safety: Tips to Protect your Baby and Child from Injury at Home and on the Go by Jamie Schaefer-Wilson.
Beyond that, you may want to consider changing some of your ways. At our house we use baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice for nearly all of our cleaning needs. I thought it would be a compromise, but it honestly works better than a lot of the expensive, toxic stuff. It's still important to keep these products up, but they're much less toxic than many other cleaners (and MUCH cheaper!).
Remember too, to take a look at your own habits. Smoking is bad for you but it can cause huge problems for your baby as well. There have been studies that show smoking can lead to ear infections, asthma and other problems. If you have guns, keep them empty and locked up.
Check everything, too, to make sure that everything is up to current safety standards. It's great to get a second-hand crib or swing but check the recall lists and make sure that the freebie is safe for your little one.
Aricia has worked with families as a psychotherapist, mentor, coach and instructor for over 20 years. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Family Circle, Mothering magazine and on NPR. She runs a supportive online parenting community providing resources, ideas and encouragement for moms. Stop by http://www.dynamicfamilycoachingsolutions.com for a free Mp3 download on taming tantrums and a monthly column on keeping your home "Beautifully Organized."
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น