While delivering a newborn baby is an exciting and life-changing experience, you need to make sure your new family member’s space is safe. As babies grow and learn to explore, they can find themselves in dangerous places. Fortunately, there are many products designed to reduce the risk and give parents peace of mind. Here are twelve important baby safety items every parent should consider purchasing.
1. Baby Monitors
If you want to keep an eye on your child without being in the same room, you need a baby monitor. Nowadays, baby monitors are equipped with video streaming, night vision, walkie-talkies, and sensors that measure room temperature. Some more advanced types can even tell when your baby wakes up or cries, or when there is movement nearby.
2. Child safety seat
For your baby’s safety when he or she moves, make sure the car seat is installed correctly. Choose a car seat that suits your baby’s size and weight and meets all safety standards. Be sure to follow installation instructions carefully or have a professional check to ensure proper installation.
3. Cribs and mattresses
Make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep. The slats in the crib should be close enough that the baby’s head does not slip through them. It must also meet current safety standards. Buy a firm mattress that fits in the crib without any gaps. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced if you do not put pillows, blankets, or cuddly toys in the crib.
4. Connection cover
Babies think plugs are funny, but they are very dangerous. Outlet covers prevent curious fingers from reaching the plug, which can help prevent people from being electrocuted. Choose a cover that is difficult for children to remove, but easy for humans to operate.
5. Cabinet lock
As babies learn to crawl and explore, they can easily reach cupboards and boxes that may contain dangerous or sharp objects. Adding locks to cabinets can help prevent people from being injured or poisoned by preventing access to dangerous items.
6. Corner and edge protectors
Babies who are just starting to walk and explore can be injured by furniture with sharp corners. By installing corner and edge protectors you can soften and protect these areas from bumps and scratches. Your furniture looks beautiful and is easy to install.
7. Glass door handles and locks
Door handle covers and locks prevent babies from entering potentially dangerous rooms or leaving the house unattended. These safety features should be simple enough for adults to use, yet powerful enough to keep curious children away.
8. Baby gate
Stairs are a very dangerous place for children. By placing baby bars at the top and bottom of the stairs, you can prevent your child from falling. Child doors can also be used to prevent babies from entering dangerous places such as bathrooms and kitchens.
9. Window blocks and guards
Install window protectors and blocks to prevent accidental falls. These ensure that the windows cannot open fully and prevent babies from crawling through them. Make sure they are sturdy and meet safety regulations in your area.
9. Non-slip shoulder straps
Toddlers who like to move are more likely to knock over furniture and appliances. Using anti-tip straps to secure shelves, dressers, TV cabinets, and other heavy furniture can prevent these accidents and keep the furniture stable.
11. Pool gates and alarms
If you have a swimming pool, safety walls and pool alarms are a must-have. Swimming pools must have a fence at least four feet high on all sides and have gates that close and lock automatically. A pool alarm can warn you if someone jumps into the water unnoticed.
12. Fire safety aids
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every home, especially near bedrooms. Check these regularly and replace the batteries if necessary. A small fire extinguisher should also be kept within easy reach in the kitchen or near potential fire hazards.
Conclusion
You can’t protect your child from every possible danger, but having these basic safety items at home can significantly reduce the risk and ensure your baby is in the safest environment possible. As your child grows and new safety products become available, you will want to regularly check and update your child’s safety equipment. You can take steps to protect your home and make it a better place for your baby to explore and grow.
FAQs
1. What should I pay attention to with a toddler watch?
When choosing a baby monitor, consider features like video and audio recording, night vision, room temperature tracking, and motion detection. Some TVs let you connect them to Wi-Fi so you can watch them on your phone. Make sure the model you choose has good audio and video quality and security to protect your privacy.
2. How do I choose the best car seat for my child?
Choose a car seat for your baby based on your baby’s age, weight, and height. Make sure it meets or exceeds what the government says are safety standards. Consider purchasing a seat with a 5-point harness and see how easy it is to install. Additionally, you should have a qualified professional inspect your car seat installation.
3. What safety rules should be followed for cribs?
Make sure the crib meets the latest safety guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The crib should be sturdy and have no sides. The distance between posts should not exceed 2 3/8 inches. Avoid cribs with decorative holes or protruding hardware.
4. How effective are plug covers at preventing people from being electrocuted?
As long as the exhaust cover fits snugly and is difficult for a small child to remove, it can prevent people from being injured. Look for models that have a flat surface that covers the entire plug or require a two-step removal.
5. What type of locks should I have on my drawers and cabinets?
Choose a strong lock, difficult for children to damage, and easy for adults to use. People often choose magnetic locks because they are hidden in the cupboard and can only be opened with a magnetic key. You can also use self-adhesive locks, which work great and do not require drilling holes in the cabinets.
6. Do I need corner and edge protectors?
If your furniture has sharp edges, you should use corner and edge protectors to prevent people from getting hurt if they bump or fall. Choose protectors made from durable, soft materials that absorb pressure, such as foam or silicone.
