Author - Dr. Devesh Aggarwal

MBBS, DCH

Consultant-Paediatric

Everything You Need to Know About Babyproofing 

When it’s time to welcome your newborn home, you need to be sure that the house is completely ready to receive him. The best way to ensure that your house is ready and safe for the baby is by baby-proofing. Ideally, according to Dr. Devesh Aggarwal, MBBS, DCH, Consultant-Paediatrics, baby proofing should start at least three months before your due date. Since, some baby-proofing preparation can take time, make sure that you have sufficient time in your hand. The best paediatrician in Gurgaon also recommends second baby proofing when your baby is 6 to 10 months old.  

Tips On How to Baby Proof Your House

The paediatrician in sector 55, Gurgaon recommends baby-proofing to keep your home safe throughout for the baby. You can ensure baby-proofing with the following: 

1. Ensure curtain rods, blind cords, and wires are out of the baby’s reach. 

2. Do not keep small or harmful items around your baby’s reach as they tend to put everything into their mouth. 

3. Cover sharp corners on furniture. 

4. Use door jammers to stop doors from trapping your baby’s fingers. 

5. Secure furniture to the wall to prevent it from falling over your child. 

6. Keep batteries, matches, lighters, and cigarettes out of your child’s reach. 

7. Do not leave windows open or even unlocked as your child might climb or fall out of it. 

Baby Proofing Cupboards and Drawers 

The best paediatrician in Gurgaon suggests baby-proofing your cupboards and drawers all around your house as you would not know where your baby’s hands get into. For instance, you can replace the locks with adjustable ones or latch hooks. 

Baby Proofing Hallway and Stairs 

Babies also tend to climb stairs which puts them at the risk of falls. Hence, baby-proofing stairs and hallways is crucial. You can do this by: 

1. Fit your stair gates securely at both the top and bottom. 

2. Make sure that you do not leave objects lying around on the stairs as these could cause tripping.  

3. Make sure that the rugs or carpets around do not cause tripping. 

4. Keep your stairs well-lit so that you do not trip while carrying your baby up and down. 

5. Take extra care if your home has a balcony to prevent your child from accessing it. Do not leave objects lying around as your child could climb near the balcony. 

Baby Proofing Corners 

Corners are the most harmful. Hence, these are the ones you should be most watchful for: 

1. Use corner protectors, especially for tables. 

2. Use foam corners. 

3. Use corner cushions. 

4. Use impact protection foam. 

 Baby Proofing Your Kitchen 

The kitchen is also dangerous for crawling babies. Here are some ways you can reduce the danger: 

1. Keep all cleaning products including washing detergents out of your child’s reach. Mostly, make sure that you keep these items locked in a cupboard. 

2. Do not leave knives or appliances including iron or kettles on the worktop. 

3. Always cook using the back rings of the hob and don’t let pan handles overhang. 

4. Fit safety catches on low cupboards and appliances including fridge and freezer. 

       Baby proofing is important to safeguard your baby from tripping. You must start baby-proofing your home way before your baby arrives. If you want to know expert opinion on the same, you can consult Dr. Devesh Aggarwal at the Motherhood Hospitals.