When we think of childproofing a house, we usually imagine dangerous sharp edges and electrical equipment.
But we should also not forget the dangers inherent in soft surfaces as well. Infants placed on sofas, cushions or pillows and even blankets or comforters are at risk of suffocation, and should be watched constantly.
Coffee tables are the perfect height for a baby who is learning to walk. And while a baby may enjoy holding onto the edge of the coffee table as it takes its early steps across your rug, accidents are almost inevitable.
To be perfectly safe, you may wish to remove the parallel bars of the baby world. But if you can't live without it, or are worried that your baby may trip over the pile of remotes and carefully balanced cup of hot coffee you have placed on the floor, you can choose to install table bumpersCorner and edge bumpers cover sharp edges of furniture and can protect your baby from injury in case of falls. Some bumpers can be fitted to fire places to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.
When choosing a corner or edge bumper, look for one that will stay in place securely. A bumper will offer no protection if it falls off regularly. instead.
While you're looking along the top shelf of your bookcase for the copy of "The Catcher in the Rye" you read in college, your baby is eyeing Mount Everest and that decorative vase at its summit.
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You'll be amazed at how quickly your baby will start climbing the furniture: after all, it just wants to see the world the way its parents do. And while you may not be able to stop junior from climbing, you can install restraining straps that will prevent the bookcase toppling onto him.
After successfully thwarting your baby's attempts to climb the bookcase, you should turn your attention to the entertainment center. Those cables you have hidden out of sight, look just like jungle vines to little Tarzan and he won't be able to resist tugging on them. Make sure all of your audio/video equipment is out of reach and install restraining straps to hold any furniture that may topple securely.
Many new parents stop using their fireplaces until their baby is old enough to understand fire safety. But you can't move the fireplace itself into storage, so you'll have to do something about those sharp edges.
Start by placing a hearth cushion around the edge of your fireplace's hearth. Unless your hearth is set flush into the floor, there's always the risk your baby may trip and fall.
Install a fireplace guard to keep your baby out of the fireplace. No matter what type of fire you have, all fireplaces contain items that could be a choking hazard, even when unlit. And since you have been so diligent about protecting your baby from the fireplace, don't forget to remove those fireplace tools as well!
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We all love the feel of luscious deep pile carpet under our feet. But you can count on your baby to find your loose change and missing contact lens you have been looking for. Be aware that deep carpets can hide choking hazards and watch your baby carefully when playing on the carpet.
If you have loose rugs and door mats, be sure to reduce the risk of your baby tripping over them, or slipping on them and falling. Buy some non-slip fabrics and stick them to the underside of your rugs.
It's important always to be vigilant around your baby. You may have installed every child safety gadget you can find in your living room and dining room before discovering that your baby is trying out the popcorn you placed in a bowl on the floor (you did put the coffee table into storage didn't you?)
Be aware that the foods you eat and drink may be too hot for your baby. Some foods such as grapes, raisins, nuts and other munchies can get caught in your baby's throat and it can start choking. Be safe and keep all food out of the reach of children until you are ready to eat it yourself!
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