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Having a new baby in the house is a beautiful and exciting time. However, it can also be challenging. A baby’s needs are different from those of an adult, so their safety considerations require special attention. A baby cannot recognize danger, cannot walk or talk, and has tiny fingers that can get caught very quickly in things you wouldn’t expect. There are over 2,000 deaths involving babies and infants in the home each year.

It’s your responsibility as parents to make sure your home is safe and healthy for your infant before they become mobile. Keeping the following points in mind will ensure that your home remains a safe space for you and your baby to thrive.

Always be aware of where your baby is

No matter how safe you try to make your home, you can never be 100% sure that nothing will happen to your baby. A child’s attention span isn’t as long as an adult’s, and they’re very easily distracted. Always keep a constant eye on your baby while they’re awake and ensure they’re within arm’s reach of you. Some areas of your home are more dangerous than others, so it’s essential to keep your baby in sight at all times. Avoid leaving your baby unattended in the kitchen or near any water sources. Keep them away from potential hazards like electrical sockets, and don’t leave them in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked.

Lock windows and doors

Windows and doors are not just for letting in the fresh air; they are also a way to keep intruders out. A baby cannot open a door or window and can’t go far if they’ve been left outside. Ensure that all of your home’s entries are locked, even when you and your family are in the house. Babies are curious and might open the door or window and wander outside. This can be prevented by keeping all windows and doors locked all of the time. You can also install safety locks on windows and doors to open them, but your infant cannot.

There are several high security door locks available that you can use for this purpose. All you have to do is make sure that you select locks that are in line with your decor. Locks should be secure but they should also look good on your door.

Beware of strings and cord wrapped around furniture or decorations

You may think that the decorations and furniture in your home are too low to pose a threat to your baby. While this may be the case for a few months, it’s essential to keep an eye on any loose strings or cords. Babies like to put things in their mouths, and it’s easy for them to swallow loose threads or cords. Keep all blinds, curtains, and loose threads away from your baby, and check any decorative items for loose strings before putting them in your home. 

Secure heavy furniture, so it can’t be pulled over.

Toddlers love to climb and explore. As your baby starts moving around or before then, make sure everything wall-mounted, such as a TV, is adequately secured and won’t fall off the wall.

Use straps to attach large furniture securely to the walls so if your infant does try to scale it in the future; there is less chance of it falling on them. Between 2000 and 2019, over 450 children under 17 were killed by falling furniture items.

Add baby-safe cleaning supplies to your home care routine.

Certain chemicals in cleaning products can be harmful to infants. Baby-safe cleaning products have been designed for people with sensitive skin. You can add these to your home care routine to ensure that your products are not harming your baby’s skin. You can also prevent your baby from accessing dangerous cleaning products by keeping them out of reach. You can make your own cleaners using various natural ingredients. This will save you money and reduce the chemicals in your home.

Install a carbon monoxide detector and fire alarm

These two things are essential for any home, but they’re essential for parents of young children. A carbon monoxide detector will detect any dangerous levels of this gas in your home and let you know if there’s a leak somewhere. A fire alarm is also essential, as it will let you know if there is a fire in your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and colorless and can be lethal to humans. It comes from things like faulty furnaces, engines, and generators. You should maintain your CO detector as you would your smoke alarm.

Clean your air filters to reduce allergens in the home

Babies often suffer from allergies and asthma, so it’s important to reduce allergens in your home, and you need to know how best to do this. This can be done by replacing old air filters with baby-safe ones. Make sure to replace them every 3 months or as recommended. Keeping your home clean is also important, as it reduces allergens in the house. A clean home will reduce the amount of dust, allergens, and bacteria around your child, reducing their chances of contracting allergies. 

Be careful where you place cribs and beds

Your baby’s bed or crib needs to be away from direct heat sources and sunlight. While some sunlight is good, being in a window can increase the baby’s temperature and expose the harmful UV rays. They are kept away from anything that can fall on them or be detrimental to their health, and the room has good airflow.

Keep dangerous products out of reach and sight of babies.

Keep cleaning supplies out of reach and, if possible, out of sight. Many household cleaning products are not safe for babies. Many products contain dangerous chemicals that are not good for babies. Products like sprays and cleaners often contain alcohol, ammonia, or other chemicals that can cause harm. Keep them out of reach, and when cleaning with them, make sure you’re not wearing loose clothing or jewelry to avoid getting them on your skin. Also, make sure that any medications or other dangerous products are out of your baby’s reach. Keep all medicines out of reach, and store them in a safe place where your baby can’t get to them. Out of sight, out of reach is the best rule of thumb.

This is a contributed post.

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