Baby proofing
Kerri Stalton

When babies first come into the world, it's difficult to imagine them as being anything but fragile and helpless. But even when your baby seems too small to do himself any harm, lo and behold, he has managed to bunch his blankets around his face or roll off a raised bed. Some of these experiences are amusing, but most are painful; and a few turn tragic.
Children are naturally curious. They are made that way so they can learn through touch, taste and feeling. The world around them seems pretty colorful and Junior is in a hurry to learn it all at once. But as a parent, you have to ensure the safety of your child by restraining him. It is not possible to supervise your child relentlessly. The only option is baby proofing.
Baby proofing means making certain areas of your house one hundred percent safe for your baby. Ideally, such an area should be a place where you can allow your little one to romp without any restraint. So, what does baby proofing require?
Let's start with the nursery. Crib slats should be about 2 3/8 inches apart, so your baby's head does not get trapped. Bedding should be soft, but not loose. The crib mattress must fit tightly in the crib so the child cannot fall into any gaps. Never place the crib near window cords. When the baby starts sitting up, remove any mobiles and toys tied to the crib. Exercise caution if your baby is sleeping with you. Never place your precious one on soft surfaces like quilts, sofas, waterbeds or large soft toys.
Small children are prone to choking hazards. Lock away all such items that are easy for your baby to put into his mouth. Electrical sockets hold a special fascination for little children. Replace existing outlet plates with safety plates that automatically cover the outlet when a socket is unplugged. Videos, CD players and all electronic items should be locked away safely. Remember, most household equipment is just the right height for your baby to crawl into or pull open. Your refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and oven must remain out of bounds to the little one.
Most kitchen cabinets and bathrooms hold poisonous chemicals, potent medicine and beauty products. Lock these items away or install a high shelf that baby cannot reach. Any areas that once held poisonous materials like insecticides must be cleaned thoroughly because children have a curious fixation with eating the wrong things from wrong places. Just a tablespoon of salt can prove deadly for an infant weighing 25 pounds or less.
Your bathroom should be baby proofed with utmost care. Babies can easily drown in very little water. Never leave your baby alone in the bathroom. Medicine cabinets must be locked. Do not use a baby monitor anywhere near water. Always test the water for warmth before giving your little one a bath. Install dual locks so that the child does not accidentally lock himself in. Staircases must always have safety gates, and these must be locked when your baby is up and about.
Be extra careful with what he puts into his mouth. Do not go near the stove with your baby in your arms. All utensils should have their handles turned to their back.
Always keep a first aid kit ready and well stocked. Have all emergency numbers at hand.
A little caution combined with some common sense is all you need to baby proof your home effectively.