People talk all the time about “baby proofing” your home to make it truly safe, but a better term would be toddler proofing. Once your little one hits a year and gets his feet under him and starts walking, you will find hidden dangers lurking around every corner of your home. Once he begins to climb up on things, those dangers are going to multiply even more.
The key to toddler proofing your home is getting down on your baby’s level. What sharp, hard, and potentially hazardous things are within reach? What would tempt him to climb, and if there are objects, could they fall on him?
Go around your house and plug all electrical outlets. These are very tempting to little hands and fingers. Then, make sure all chemicals and medications are up high and out of sight. The top shelf of your linen closet is a good place. Lock the doors to cabinets or closets with these hazardous substances, and make sure the lock is not one your toddler will be able to figure out. Place sharp objects, like knives, well out of reach from standing and climbing kids. Tuck electrical cords and the pull cords from mini blinds out of reach, as these pose a strangulation hazard.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. You will need to get on your knees and go through every part of your home to search for hazards. After you have done this, there will still be dangers, but you will know that you have done all you can to protect your baby by toddler proofing your house.