Baby Safety and Childproofing Tips for Moms

The first time you saw your baby crawl, how did you feel? I believe it is a moment you relive from time to time. And the first step your baby took his first step, you had to hold yourself back unsuccessfully from screaming.

You\’re likely unprepared when it comes to keeping your baby safe from all the hazards in his path. This is the story of many mothers.

The best time to childproof your house is before your baby is born, and the next best time is before he starts crawling. Childproofing is to prevent accidents. Statistics say domestic accidents cause most infant and toddler deaths. These accidents are preventable when you use these childproofing tips.

Install a stairway and door gate

These mesh gates are adjustable and removable when you don\’t need them anymore. It is to prevent your crawling or walking baby from going through the door and down the stairs.

Preventing burns

Avoid hot liquid or food while carrying or holding your baby. Keep hot things from the top of the table or kitchen cabinet. Do not bring your baby close to the cooker and keep him far from an oven in use. Keep your baby away from electrical appliances, wires, hand dryers, and television. It is easier to achieve with a Stove guard, TV guard, and a plastic guard.

Install cabinet and drawer locks

Kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, and refrigerator contain things you don\’t want your baby going near either because they are harmful to your baby or he will make a mess of things. To prevent him from going near these places, you need to install secure cabinet locks or drawer locks. There are two options of locks available; external locks that you can fit around the knobs or internal locks. Some available locks are Safety first cabinet flex-lock and slide lock, KidCo cabinet lock, Adhesive mount cabinet, and drawer lock, etc.

Baby Safety Tips

  1. When bathing your baby, use warm water and not hot water. Use your elbow to check the warmness or pour a little on your laps before you pour on the baby\’s body. Never leave your baby unsupervised in the bath. You can use a thermometer to check the water temperature.
  2. Prevent fall from height: Never leave your baby unattended to on the sofa, bed, stairs, changing table, high chair, and any position where the probability of falling is high. 
  3. When using a cot, avoid using soft and fluffy pillows and other beddings on the bed. Avoid leaving toys inside the cot when your baby is asleep in it. These could cause suffocation that might lead to death. 
  4. Repair any electrical socket that is bad. Don\’t leave any naked wire open in your house. 
  5. Take lessons in first aid and have your first aid kit at home.

In conclusion, keep all forbidden objects away from the reach of your baby. Objects like knives, scissors, pots, chemicals, and other hazardous materials should be locked away in safe places where the baby cannot reach.

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Things You Should Understand if You Have a Baby and a Pet

You most likely had your pet before your baby, and your pet is a major part of your family circle and daily routine. Now that your baby is either on the way or has arrived, everyone including the pet, has to make major adjustments for the baby. The most common pets are dogs and cat and the way you help them adjust to your baby goes a long way in the way everyone fares.

Your pet is well aware that a little one is on the way, and if it’s your first child, then you should prepare your pet for the ultimate switch of attention. One interesting thing about pets is their loyalty and sense of smell. They will listen to instructions you train them with and you can use their sense of smell to the advantage of the baby and pet.

Things to Do

  • Before the baby is born, constantly tell your pet that new addition to the family is on the way.
  • Before bringing the baby from the hospital, you can get your pet to sniff the clothes the baby has one so that your pets get familiar with the scent of the baby on arrival.
  • When you are ready to introduce your baby to your cat or dog, make sure it is done under strict supervision. Don’t allow the dog to lick the ears or body of your baby. Since Cats can be so unpredictable, do not allow your cat to get too close on the first introduction.
  • It will only be wise to keep your dog on a leash for the first few weeks anytime he is around the baby.
  • When your baby starts to crawl, keep the cat litter far from him or her. Your cat could have parasite toxoplasma, which is not safe for babies.

Things you shouldn’t do.

  • Do not leave your baby in a walker, crib or swing alone with your pet
  • Don’t leave your baby on the floor with your dog and cat, especially when they have shown aggressive behaviour.
  • You shouldn’t raise your voice on the pet. Show your pets the same affection and attention before the arrival of the baby.
  • Do not shy away from being affirmative when communicating with your part. Always stand by your no when you want them to behave properly.

Benefits of having a pet at home

Some research has shown that having a pet at home has some benefits for your baby.

  1. Children that grow with pets around them grow up to be healthy and happy. Pets around them prevent them from developing allergies as adults. They build immunity to allergens they would have been exposed to as babies.
  2. Parents and child bonding time is developed during dog walking time. You can also walk the dog with the baby in the stroller helping you exercise.
  3. Several respiratory illnesses are absent in children who grew up with pets around them
  4. Your baby will grow to learn how to treat animals better as you teach him or her to do better with animals.

Whatever you do, do not neglect your child and your pet. Always be proactive, full of care, and be attentive to the concerns of all parties involved.

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