BABY PROOF YOUR HOME FOR BABY SAFETY MONTH
September is Baby Safety Month. Baby proofing doesn’t have to be a challenge, or be expensive. If you or someone you know has a little one running around, try out these creative, cheaper hacks!
KEEP LITTLE FINGERS SAFE FROM DOORS
Ensure that there is no way for your baby to be locked in the bathroom. Try using a halved pool noodle or a crossed rubber band around the door knobs. Using a piece of fabric with an elastic band around each side of it also helps to keep the door quiet when it shuts.
SPRUCE UP THE SPOUT
A bathtub faucet can present a danger. A baby could very easily hit their head on it on accident. A creative way to prevent this is by using a cute animal spout cover so the baby has free roam of the tub. You could also use a laundry basket in the bath and put the baby in the basket with their toys. It keeps them away from the spout, and keeps their toys from floating away.
COVER UP CORNERS
Many furniture items such as tables and window ledges have sharp edges, which also create a danger to little ones. There are a few creative ways you can work with these without breaking the bank, though. Remember that halved pool noodle you used for the bathroom door? You can use a pool noodle here too, or foam pipe insulation. Alternatively, you can cut old tennis balls and place them right on the edges.
FIX UP THE FIREPLACE
Fireplaces may be beautiful, but they also catch the eye of little ones. You may want to block off the fireplace. You can do this without sacrificing the aesthetics, however. Try a large piece of magnetic chalkboard. Decorate it throughout the year, and it will provide a creative space for when your tot gets to be a little older!
CLOSE UP THE CUPBOARDS
A baby is very curious, and low cupboards are just too pretty to resist opening! To keep wandering eyes and little hands away from cupboard contents, try using cookie cutters if knobs are closer together. If the knobs are further apart, you could use a hair tie or rubber band.
BAR UP THE FRIDGE
Wandering fingers are also very keen to open up refrigerator doors and get into whatever they can. Instead of investing in a refrigerator lock, try this inexpensive hack. Get two Command hooks (one for the fridge itself and one for the door) and bind them using a gummy bracelet or a hair tie.
TIE UP THE TOILET PAPER
Speaking of hair ties, they can be useful in the bathroom too! Tiny fingers love to unroll the toilet paper roll, causing a mess for the adults in the home. You can prevent this by using a hair tie to secure the roll.
HALT THAT HOUDINI
Is the child old enough to start climbing out of their crib? If so, this next hack may be for you. On the child’s pajamas, sew a two-inch strip of fabric between the legs. It’s not uncomfortable for the child, but it will stop them from swinging one leg over the crib rail for their great escape.
GUARD AGAINST TEETHING GUMS
Crib rails are often common targets for a baby to gnaw on when they’re teething. Instead of spending elaborate amounts of money for a teething guard, you can make one yourself using fleece fabric. Find out how by checking out this tutorial.
CORRAL THOSE CORDS
Cords are most certainly a danger to smaller children. They could get tangled in the cords, or – much worse – fiddle with the electrical outlet or power strip and get electrocuted. To keep power strips out of reach, use an old plastic food storage container. If you can’t move cords higher, then invest in wire guards. For exposed outlets, you can invest in switching them over to sliding outlets, or cover them with duct tape or a Band-Aid.
Did any of these hacks prove useful to you? Have one of your own you wish to share? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Let us know in the comments and we may share your tip!