The holidays will be here before you know it, and it’s time to prepare your home for the guests that will join your celebrations. Whether they’re spending the night, the week, or only the day, you’ll want your home to be warm and inviting to anyone who visits.
As a good host or hostess, it’s up to you to accommodate all ages, even babies and toddlers. This means baby- and child-proofing your home. Everyone, including you, will relax and have more fun if you don’t have to worry about the littles getting hurt or into trouble. You’ll also feel more at ease if your valuable decor and furniture are out of the way.
A secure, convenient self storage unit is your baby-proofing solution. You can store extra furniture, glass, and breakable decor. If your guest room is cluttered and disorganized, all of those items can be placed in your self storage unit as well. While you’re storing all of this overflow, you can store the gifts so that there is no chance of the kids discovering their presents before Christmas morning.
Childproofing Tips and Tricks
- Sleeping Arrangements
If the child is going to have his or her own room, designate a space that is close to where the parents are sleeping. Parents frequently need to check on their young children during the night, and a room that is nearby will be more convenient. If the child is still very young, a convertible crib that can be set up in the parent’s room will be more comfortable for both mom and baby.
- Christmas Trees
Create a strong barrier between your Christmas tree and your littles by using baby gates or child-safe indoor fencing. If your tree is smaller and placed on a high table, be sure it is well-secured and can’t tip over. Watch for any falling needles (live or artificial) as they can be a choking hazard for babies.
- Safety Screens
Place safety screens around or in front of fireplaces, radiators, and heaters
- Sharp Edges
Use corner protectors to shield babies and toddlers from sharp edges
- Unsteady Furniture
Once every 46 minutes a child is treated in the ER for serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries due to unstable furniture falling on them. Experts recommend that unsteady furnishings should be anchored to the wall to prevent accidents.
- Electrical Outlet Covers
Cover your electrical outlets to keep curious little fingers away.
- Cabinet Latches
Store cleaning supplies and other toxic substances in upper cabinets where children can’t reach them. Use childproof latches on low cabinets to keep babies and toddlers away from any potentially dangerous items.
- Houseplants
One of the many ways that babies and toddlers learn is by putting everything they see into their mouths. Many houseplants are toxic and should be kept out of reach.
- Toilet Lid Locks
Baby’s heads are large in comparison to the rest of their bodies, causing balance problems. If a toddler falls into a toilet headfirst they are unable to pull themselves out. Toilet locks can prevent a child from drowning.
- Be Cautious in the Kitchen
If children are in the kitchen, never leave cooking food unattended, and keep knives and other sharp objects out of reach. Be sure that kitchen step stools and kitchen chairs aren’t close to the stove or cooktop.
- Burns and Fire Protection
Never leave lighters, matches, or lit holiday candles where children can reach them.
- Blind and Curtain Cords
About one child a month dies from being entangled in curtain or blind cords. Even when cords are tied up, curious toddlers have been known to move their beds and chairs to reach them. Cordless window coverings are worth the investment.
- Guns and Ammunition
To prevent an unspeakable tragedy, keep all firearms and ammunition locked and away from children.
- Poisoning
Keep activated charcoal and ipecac syrup on hand in case of a poisoning emergency.
Takeaway
The holidays are a time of enjoyment and delight, and having children to celebrate with is a blessing. Take the time to babyproof your home so that you’re making happy memories and not trips to the ER.