Baby Proofing - Steps to Baby Proofing a Home

Taking steps to baby proof your home is essential for baby and toddler safety - starting when they can move around on their own. Start the process by getting down low at the level where babies and toddlers operate to identify threats and dangers. Make a list of your new found dangers and start looking for items to baby proof and make these dangers non-threatening to your baby.

Tips to baby proof your home:

• Electrical outlets: Baby proofing electrical outlets are your main priority. Don't wait for baby to start crawling, make it your first baby proofing duty while baby is not yet mobile. I prefer to use universal outlet covers that slide shut when the electrical appliance is removed. Remember to use power strip covers to guard against electrical shock from power strips that are usually under the office desk or around home appliances and electronics.

• Cupboard doors: Cupboards below the kitchen and bathroom sink usually store household chemicals. Move these to an area above the reach of baby and toddler, then use sliding door locks or magnetic locks to secure these doors.

• Drowning threats: Secure your bathroom toilet lid cover with a lid lock. Use wireless outdoor/indoor monitors to monitor areas around you swimming pool or areas where large pools of water exist. It is a good idea to use baby walkers equipped with safety brakes if baby is mobile around swimming pools.

• Fingers and Toes: Babies and toddlers push and pull on doors, and fingers get slammed between door and door jamb. Prevent this by installing child proof door locks.

• Safety Gates: These come in many different styles and function. Some are designed for the top of the stairs, some can be custom configured and some are made of soft material, while others use pressure mounted designs that won't mar walls. Most of designed to fit standard doorways.

• Coffee tables: Buy round edged tables and avoid sharp edged 90 degree angles. Soft wood and not metal or glass. Simply remove glass and metal coffee tables and replace with soft furniture made of leather or fabric.

• Driveway: Toddlers have what experts call the "goodbye syndrome", simply it is the urge to follow mom and dad out the door to say good bye, as small children it is important we have an alarm system to detect motion in the driveway.

• The not so obvious: At the level where kids crawl, live, dust, dirt and insects that can irritate lungs and skin. We use a robotic vacuum to clean areas where baby crawls, while the robot cleans we use this time to play with baby.