Baby-proofing 101: 5 Must-Have Items to Keep Your Child Safe

Even before your little one is mobile, you’ll need to take some precautionary steps to keep him safe…because before you know it, baby will be rolling over, crawling and walking!

The problem is, there are literally hundreds of ways to baby-proof your home, making the task somewhat daunting.  But take a deep breath.  If you start with all the basic areas of your home that baby will be exposed to each day, your list will be clear as day.

When babies are newly mobile, think: bedroom, bathtub and playroom.

1.  Electrical Outlet Covers

First things first. Because baby will spend most time in his nursery: whether sleeping, playing or getting a fresh diaper — it’s important that everything within reach is sealed or secured.  This includes any open outlets or electrical wires like lamp or extension cords.  Even if you think baby won’t be so inclined to explore outlets, you never know what little beings find interesting. See my favorite outlet covers below:

2.  Table Edge Cushions

Your coffee table will be one of the first things baby gravitates towards when he is up and about practicing the art of furniture surfing.  You’ll want to stock up on corner and table edge cushions to pad sharp edges that can pose a threat. Confession: If your edge isn’t an exact 90 degree angle you’ll have to do some experimenting to find the right fit. Our little dude would rip off the foam pads pretty easily, so we went with the clear plastic kinds but had to add extra adhesive!

3.  Baby Safety Gates

Safety gates are a great way to keep baby contained within a safe area when mommy has to step away for a moment. After buying several brands over the years, I definitely found a few favorites. We initially owned a few of these gates, which worked okay initially but they ended up going through a lot of wear and tear. These colorful gates were much more durable options!

Be sure to secure the top and bottom of stairways with these gates as well to prevent any and all accidents.

4.  Bath Spout Cover

As baby grows, he’ll love spending more and more time playing and exploring the water and world around him during bath time.  This also means, he’ll find things like the bath tub spout just as intriguing.  Invest in a cute whimsical rubber spout cover that will protect baby from hurting himself if he decides to stand up and explore further. And equally important in the tub once baby transitions from an infant bath, are these non-slip bath mats. Because soapy bubbles and water can be a dangerous combo for kids.

5.  Baby Floor Mat

As obvious as it may sound, you don’t want to overlook the importance of having a soft surface to cushion baby’s inevitable falls.  If you don’t have a carpeted living space, invest in a floor foam mat to keep your little one safe as he moves about.  These not only provide a comfortable surface for crawling, they also add a bright, fun appearance to keep baby stimulated!

I really loved this large non-toxic mat because it had a dual purpose – provide a safe, cushion for a newly mobile baby AND also keep baby off the dirty floor. It was a bit more than I wanted to pay, but I figured a durable mat, that was large enough for baby to crawl around and not contain any unsafe materials was worth it. If you buy it when baby is starting to crawl you’ll get good use out of it. Win-win!

Want more on baby proofing?

• 5 Tips to Baby Proof Your Christmas Tree
• Baby-Safe Ornaments
• Laundry Room Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe