Baby Proofing 101

I know, we want to protect our kids from everything harmful in the world. Trust me, if there was a way to keep my kids in a bubble, I would do it in a heartbeat. But that’s unrealistic, so let’s talk about keeping our homes safe for our babies and toddlers. 

 Step 1: Get on the floor. Seriously. Crawl around at your child’s level and check for hazardous items. Are there electrical cords and outlets your baby can reach? Cover the outlets and move the cords. 

Step 2: Check for hazards in every room. Here are some common household hazards you will need to child-proof:

• Bedroom/Nursery: Make sure there are no window blind cords within reach and be sure to lower the crib mattress as soon as your child is showing signs of pulling himself up. Remove any items from the crib- your baby’s crib should be hazard free- no pillows, no blankets, no bumpers. Secure furniture to the walls.
   

• Kitchen: Put locks on the cabinets, move garbage cans out of baby’s reach, use knob covers on the stove, and keep the baby’s high chair out of reach of small kitchen appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.). Be sure to lock up any chemicals.
   

• Bathrooms: Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub. Be sure the water is not too hot. Cover the faucet head with a soft cover. Lock medicine and cleaning supplies. Keep the toilet lid down and use a toilet lock. 
   

• Stairs: Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Keep them closed and locked to prevent falls.
   

• Windows: Move climbable furniture away from windows. Use window guards so that windows cannot be opened more than three inches. 

It is so important to do everything we can to keep our children safe. We also want them to be able to explore and learn at their own pace. Providing a safe and secure environment is the first step. For ultimate babyproofing, I’ve attached a checklist below. 

If your baby or toddler is having a hard time sleeping through the night, and you’re ready to start working together, let’s set up a time to chat!

Some things to think about when deciding when you want to start sleep training your baby/toddler:

• Ensure it’s the proper timing- make sure your baby isn’t sick, you aren’t traveling, or you don’t have any big life changes coming (new baby, moving, switching jobs/childcare, etc.).

• Be prepared to put in the work. Consistency will pay off in the long run. Sleep training isn’t overnight success; it takes many nights and dedication to help your baby learn to sleep.

• Create a plan, or invest in a sleep consultant. If you choose to work with me, I will assess your baby’s sleep habits and write a customized step by step sleep plan for your baby. No two plans are the same, just as no two babies are the same. My sleep plans are based on your child’s temperament, age, parental preference and so much more! My sleep packages also come with unlimited support for the duration of your purchase- you can ask me anything and share every triumph and victory!

Sweet Dreams!

Missy Yandow