Choosing a name, decorating a nursery and buying tiny clothes are all part of the process of welcoming a new baby into your home. While this is the fun part, it’s essential to baby proof the apartment, too.
When you have a newborn that simply eats and sleeps on repeat, the apartment is generally safe as-is. However, time moves quickly and soon, that tiny newborn will be a curious baby and then a toddler who wants to explore every room and everything in it.
By baby proofing your one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment before the baby starts crawling, you’ll help keep your beautiful child safe, secure and happy.
Easy ways to begin baby proofing your apartment
So, are you curious exactly how to baby proof your apartment? A baby proofing checklist will go a long way to teach you about all the hazards in your home and show you how to secure your young children against them. And as any parent will attest, anything that helps you remember things when you’re on the sleep schedule of a brand-new mom or dad is a great idea!
Here are some of the most important things to do as you baby proof your apartment.
1. Install one baby gate or several
Baby gates are a great way to keep the baby safe and out of a dangerous place. Baby gates help kids steer clear of stairs and avoid dangerous falls. However, you can also use them for more than blocking steep staircases.
You can place safety gates really anywhere in the house. If you’re cooking in the kitchen and want the kids to stay out of that area, you can place a baby gate in ceratin door frames to keep them out. Some parents may prefer to place their child in an enclosed playpen instead of installing a baby gate. But, for renters with stairs or pet areas that need blocking, a baby gate is a great option.
Most rental communities are fine with simple hole-drilling (you’re already hanging pictures and other things in your home) but double-check your lease. Oftentimes, it’s just as easy to keep some of your home’s paint on hand and, if moving, spackle and paint any holes to ensure you get the security deposit back. Pressure-mounted gates are a good substitute but aren’t suitable for use near stairs because they are easier to push over.
2. Cover all outlets
Every room in an apartment has electrical outlets on the wall. Children can electrocute themselves if they stick their fingers in outlets, so to prevent this, place outlet covers on all the plugs. You could also place furniture in front of plugs as another way to cover them. Just remember that children can pull furniture onto themselves so you’ll want to secure the furniture, too.
3. Secure all cabinets
Babies love cabinet doors. They open and close and are fun to bang shut. Unfortunately, they’re a potential danger as they often store products that are harmful to children. Here are all the cabinets you need to secure in your rental property:
- Medicine cabinet
- Liquor cabinets
- Kitchen cabinets
- Bathroom cabinets
- Cleaning supplies and cleaning chemicals cabinet
- Water heater cabinet
Because each cabinet is full of potential hazards, you can either place all hazardous materials out of the baby’s reach or, you can buy cabinet locks so that roaming toddlers can open them. Do both for extra safety.
4. Assess the kitchen
Make sure to baby proof the kitchen because it’s a dangerous room for children. Spilled food on the floor can pose a choking hazard and the hot stove and oven can cause burns. Make sure you have stove knob covers and if possible, cook on the back burners instead of the front burners so it’s out of the child’s reach.
Place locks on any kitchen cabinets that contain glass or cleaning products. One pro parenting tip is to have an open bin or drawer in the kitchen full of old Tupperware, measuring spoons and/or plastic bowls. This is a fun way to include your child in the kitchen while keeping them safe.
5. Secure the bathroom and laundry room
The laundry room and bathroom are the most dangerous places in the house because of small objects, sharp edges, electrical outlets and water sources like the toilet and tub. To keep your baby safe, make sure to place locks on any cabinet that contains cleaning chemicals in these rooms.
Always remember to drain the bathtub entirely and never leave a child unattended in the bathroom. Lastly, close the toilet bowl and buy a lock that can seal the toilet shut.
6. Scan the living room and bedroom
You may need to make permanent changes as you walk through each room of your apartment. Anything that’s at floor level is fair game for babies. If it’s at their height or on the floor, they can easily access it.
When you’re proofing the living room and bedroom, start by looking at the windows. Are there window guards or locks on each window? Make sure they lock.
Next, secure the window treatments and make sure the blinds don’t have long cords hanging down that could pose a strangulation hazard. You can also use paper clips to bind the cords and keep them away from children.
Take a look at your furniture to see if the baby could pull it down easily. Check the coffee table or dining room table for sharp edges. Buy edge guards which can help prevent cuts and bruises.
Make sure your changing table is in a place that’s convenient and safe. You could even consider changing your child on the floor so they can’t fall. Vacuum regularly and use things like solid panels to help baby proof the apartment.
7. Lock the front door
As your toddler grows, they’ll become more curious. You need to make sure you always lock the door so the child can’t walk out and explore the apartment complex without adult supervision.
It’s also smart to shut other doors in the apartment so your toddler can’t slam their fingers in them. If you’re not using the room, close the door as an extra precaution.
8. Check all toys
Most toys must meet certain safety guidelines — like never using lead paint — before they’re sold to consumers. However, toys can break or fall apart on the floor posing safety threats for children.
It’s smart to check your toys on a frequent basis to keep babies safe as they play. Look at the toy batteries and make sure they don’t leak acid. If a toy breaks or pieces go missing, it might be smart to discard it so no one gets hurt.
9. Look at the patio or balcony
First-floor apartments don’t have the same fall issues as those up higher up, but patios — often lined with landscaping — can still be hazardous. If applicable, find out what sort of plants surround yours and whether they pose any risks, then take appropriate action.
And if you have a balcony you’d like to enjoy with less worry, rail guards – made of mesh or other materials – will prevent children from slipping between bars.
Baby proof for added peace of mind
Securing your apartment takes time, but it’s well worth it to keep your babies and toddlers safe. We hope these tips on how to baby proof were helpful and give you peace of mind. Just remember: even in the safest surroundings, adult supervision is always mandatory!
