Naturally Healthy Parenting The parent's guide to a healthy family
When your baby starts to move around, it’s one of the most magical things in the world. People would forgive you for crying, as you realise how much they’ve grown and how quickly they’re developing. But every time they discover a new method of getting about, from crawling to cruising and finally walking, you have to worry about what they’ll get up to. Thinking back to your student days and imagining having a house that messy with a baby around is horrifying. The little darlings can get into anything if they’re determined enough and you need to keep them safe. As soon as they start rolling around, you should think about whether you need to “babyproof” your house.
You may soon be regretting giving into the temptation of buying one of those 6 bedroom homes for sale in Broadway. Now you have to scour that big house top to bottom for any potential dangers. Don’t go overboard in trying to protect your little one because you don’t want to restrict their development. But do go around the house and think carefully about how they could get hurt when you leave them alone.
Stopping Bumps and Scrapes
Your baby won’t be able to avoid bumps and cuts when they start moving. Chances are they will crawl under a low table and try to stand up within minutes of learning to crawl. But you can minimise the risk by covering sharp corners and making sure there’s nothing they can pull on top of themselves, like a lamp or plant pot. Keep anything sharp or easily broken out of the reach of little fingers and fit safety glass or safety film.
Burns or Scalds
Be very careful with your baby in the kitchen, keeping them out if you can. As practise for when they can come in, keep pan handles turned inwards or fit a hob guard to stop you or your baby knocking down anything hot. You should also keep babies away from radiators when they’re turned on and, if you have an open fire, fit a secure fireguard.
Preventing Falls
Baby gates are invaluable when you have a little one on the move. Put gates at the top and bottom of the stairs so there’s no attempting to climb up or down. Make sure the banisters are safe too, so when your baby practises going up and down (under supervision) they have something firm to hold. Windows should be locked or have devices to stop them opening wide, to prevent any falls.
Choking and Suffocation
Make sure that there are no dangling cords from blinds or curtains, as your baby can become tangled in them. Tidy any cables or wires away too. Keep plastic bags shut away away from your baby’s reach, and don’t leave any small, swallowable objects lying around.
Outside Risks
If you have a pond in your garden, you should cover it with a wire mesh or close it off with a fence. Swimming pools should be inside lockable fences, buildings or pool covers.
