How to Baby Proof a Living Room
Your little one has arrived, still safely tucked in their crib hidden away from all the dangers of this great big world. It is our job as parents to look after them and protect them as much as we can. This includes making sure that the space they are growing up in is suited to their needs and as as safe as possible. It’s time to baby proof your living room.
It won’t be long now before your baby becomes a toddler, eager to explore and discover new areas of your home. This is why it is important to be prepared and get your living space ready for your child, starting with the living room. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Make a plan
Before you immerse yourself in baby-proofing your living room it is important to have a clear battle plan sketched out. With so many little things that need to get done there is a good chance that you are going to forget some of them. This is why a plan is a must. Then just stick to it, start from the bottom and go upwards, that way you won’t miss a beat. So when the time comes for your child to start discovering the wonders of you living room you will be able to breathe easily knowing they will be safe and sound. Most likely the same won’t be said for your furniture, but that’s a small price to pay for your child’s smile.
Start from the bottom
It is important that all the surfaces are free of small objects, so clear everything up. Check under the furniture as well. Maybe you can’t see it but if your child can reach it it might pose a danger. Next are the electrical cords.Simply tie them up. You can use a zip chord, or even better hide them in pipe insulation connected to the wall, that way they will pose no danger whatsoever. Now we go a bit higher to the outlets. Exposed electrical outlets are known to attract the interest of toddlers, whether it’s to stick a toy in the holes or even worse a wet finger. It is best to get plastic outlet covers in all outlets. That will take the temptation away.
Create a softer environment
Some furniture pieces in your living room might be a bit more on the firm side, and quite expensive. Now, young Australian parent’s have come up with a great solution. Getting new furniture. You should take out the expensive pieces and get softer ones that won’t be harmful for your child when they jump on them and around them. In addition, they know that there are great stores with cheap furniture in Sydney, so they won’t break the bank when getting some new pieces. In addition, it would be wise to opt for durable materials as it’s likely to do a lot of washing.
Secure all the sharp edges
The coffee table, shelves and cupboards, all the sharp edges need to be padded. Your kid will at first be quite wobbly on their feet while at the same time running around aimlessly. Running into some of the edges is literally unavoidable. Not to mention to likelihood of their forehead meeting some of them when they bend over to pick up a toy. You can buy the corner covers or bumpers in the baby care aisle at your local store, or create some on your own. The important thing is to get all of it covered. Then your child can run freely and explore the environment.
Shelves, drawers and doors, oh my!
All of the above need to be secured. Make sure that all the shelves are tightly fastened to the walls. You might have a little climber, and loose bolt of two can present quite a danger. Next are all the cupboard doors and drawers, they need to be closed and unopenable. You can use straps or locks from your local store. You don’t want your child opening them or attempting to pull them out. And rest assured they are going to try that at some point.
A secure living room where your baby can play, discover new things and grow up. You don’t have to have a small heart attack every time they get that wobble in their walk. Not to mention, get inspired to use the toy screwdriver to fix things around the room. Baby-proofing your living room is as important for your child’s safety as it is for your own piece of mind.
