I can probably list a hundred or so tips, so I’ll continue with the next 10 more ways that you can baby-proof your house. This time we focus on the nursery, where baby spends the greatest amount of time in the first year alone.

1. When asleep, place baby on back to reduce the risk of SIDS or suffocation.
2. Never use a pillows as a mattress for baby to sleep on or prop baby’s head or neck. Pillows pose one of the greatest dangers where babies sleep,  according to the CPSC.
3. Loose blankets too have no place in the crib, because of the risk of suffocation. If it’s cold, dress the baby warmly, in layers.
4. Skip the crib bumper, again, because these pose a greater risk of suffocation. Crib bumper pads only became popular because the older-style cribs have wider slats that could pose a strangulation risk.
5. Avoid putting soft, plushy or stuffed toys inside the crib. Again – suffocation risk.
6. Secure and bolt dressers and bookshelves to the wall. They can tip over a toddling baby, who uses them to prop up. Clean up higher shelves also, of anything that might roll or fall onto baby.
7. Use safety belt when using the changing table.
8. Use outlet covers and plates to prevent electrocution. Actually, use them all around the house.
9. Never leave the infant alone with a young child, no matter how responsible your older child is.
10. Set the nightlight away from the crib, bedding and draperies to prevent fire.

This list is by no means completed. If you have more tips to share, please add them in to comment. 

Post from: Blisstree

10 more tips to baby-proofing your nursery

Family Resource has a 30-day checklist to making sure the house is safe. Definitely high on the checklist are fire safety, safe cribs/playpens and strollers. One of my to-do is enrolling in a CPR/First Aid class, which I know is a life-saver.

But my immediate concern right now is to separate the toys my preschooler plays with and the play area for the baby. There are just too many small items (including paper) that the baby can put into his mouth and cause choking.

Incidentally, do you know the 5 common food that are choking hazards for under 5?

Common choking foods for children under five years: Popcorn, hot dogs, chunks of meat, raisins, ice cubes, chunky peanut butter, peanuts (nuts of any kind), hard candy, grapes, raw carrots, potato chips and corn chips.

Tip #23 is something that makes sense but never thought of –

Get a piggy bank: this is a great place to put coins so they don’t end up on the floor, in the couch cushions and then baby’s mouth.

Post from: Blisstree

30 ways to baby-proofing your home