Childproofing Your Home While Still Pregnant

Its always good to be prepared, especially when you are a new mom. Nothing is more important than making sure your house is ready for you little bundle of joy. Trust me, its a whole lot easier to get this done ahead of time because when your baby arrives home, they will be all you think about.

I found this wonderful checklist on Babycenter.com which breaks down into four sections: around the house, nursery, away from home, and general safety. I have included some of my own notes in red.

Babycenter.com was my go to website during my pregnancy. You can read the full article here. Thank you Babycenter.com!

Around the House

Check with your local fire department to see if they offer a free home safety inspection. Often times they will send someone to check that your detectors are working properly and offer advice on how to maintain safety in your home and plan a fire escape route.

Carbon monoxide

• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors if you use gas or oil heat or have an attached garage, and check the batteries twice a year.

Fire Prevention

• Install and maintain working smoke detectors; check monthly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Plan a fire escape route.
• Keep nightlights away from curtains and bedding; use cool nightlights that don't get hot.

First Aid

• Assemble a first aid kit for babies. (For a list of items that should be included, you can check this article here from Babycenter.com) 
• Post emergency numbers next to your phone. (This should include not only work, cell, and family numbers, but also the numbers of your family physician, your baby's doctor, etc.)

Poison Control

• Put childproof locks on all cabinets containing poisons, glass, and sharp objects.

Lead Paint

• If paint is flaking or peeling, have a professional remove or seal it.

Furniture

• Cover sharp furniture edges with padding or bumpers.

Rugs

• Put nonslip pads under area rugs that don't have nonslip backs.

Water Safety

• Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
• Purchase an infant bathtub with contours or other features that make it slip-resistant.

Nursery

For anything that you have purchased for the nursery, be sure to register your items and check product recalls regularly to make sure your items are safe.  When you register your items with the manufacturer, they will alert you to recalls if your product is affected.  Make sure you wash any bedding that you purchase with a baby safe detergent (like Purex) before you use it.

Bassinet

• Has a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.
• Surfaces are smooth, no sharp protrusions.
• Legs lock securely.
• Mattress is firm and fits snugly.
• Avoid soft, fluffy beddings such as pillows, comforters or sheepskin.

Changing Table

• Has a safety strap. (Even though it has a safety strap, never, ever, NEVER leave your child unattended on a changing table!)
• Table is sturdy, with a 2-inch guardrail around all four sides.
• Top of table is concave, so that the middle is slighty lower than the sides.
• There's a place to keep baby wipes and other supplies within your reach but out of your baby's reach.
• Has a carpet or rug below in case of a fall.

Crib

• Slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
• Corner posts are 1/16 inch or shorter (or 16 inches or higher if there is a canopy).
• Has no decorative cutouts that can entrap baby's head.
• Mattress is firm and fits snugly (less than two fingers' width between mattress and side).
• Avoid soft, fluffy bedding such as pillows, comforters, and sheepskin.
• Is postitioned away from windows, heaters, lamps, wall decorations, and cords.

Windows

• Install window guards or window stops.
• Cut looped window blind cords; use safety tassels and inner cord stops.

Outlets

• Install plates that slide closed over outlets.

Away From Home

Check with your local hospital to see if they offer a child seat restraint safety check.  If they do, I highly recommend doing it.  They will check to see if your child seat is installed correctly and teach you the proper way to install and maintain it.

Car

• Purchase a car seat intended for infants.
• Install it properly, in rear-facing position in middle of back seat.
• Keep towels in the car (or baby blankets) to roll up and use to position baby or wedge under car seat.
• Practice removing and reinstalling the car seat correctly.
• Window shades to help block the sun (and to keep the car seat cool.  NEVER put a baby in a hot car seat!).

General Safety

• Take an infant CPR class. (You hope you will never need to use it, but in the event you do it is better to be prepared.)

I hope you have enjoyed this checklist and found it as useful as I did when I came across it.  Coming soon, child proofing when your baby starts crawling, and another one for when your baby starts walking.  Stay tuned!