Tony's Blog

If you have young children or grandchildren running around and exploring your home, Bonnie Ryan, of www.designerdiaperbags.org, has a nine point checklist to follow to keep the kids safe and happy.  

Did you know the way to distinguish the "musts" from the "shoulds" for your infant safety equipment?
 
Have you ever made your checklist? Here are the baby-proofing items that should be at the must-have tippy top.
 
I recognize that we don't all have hundreds of dollars in order to throw down the all-important childproofing budget gap. To help the security of the serious yet monetarily fainthearted, I've classified them into the "musts," meaning that you should not care where you buy them, but good parenting requires them.
 
When you have more than 1 kid (or are easily distracted), consider the more distractions you have in your house, the more distractable you are, the more important your baby-proofing is.
 
The following (in order of importance) 9 baby proofing items you "must" have to maintain baby safe:
 
1. A Good Gate: Even if you are living in a ranch-style home or even an apartment with no stairway, there will be rooms or areas you will not want your baby wandering into, so a good gate is completely a must-have babyproofing purchase.
 
2. A Blind Winder: The number of children strangled every year due to dangling blind and also shade cords is devastating. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission lists cords as one of the "hidden risks" parents don't think of. There are numerous inexpensive window blind winders out there.
 
3. Anti-Tip Anchors: If you have a climber (or probable climber) on your hands, furniture straps are a must. Whether it's a dresser or a shelf, attach these heavy pieces of furniture on the wall with anti-tip band in order to avoid the furniture from tipping over.
 
4. Fireplace Safety: Hard stone around the fire hearth can be very harmful with little ones around. Its sharp edges and rough stone corners can cut, as well as seriously hurt the tripping child. Choose one of the numerous good hearth bumper pads available in the marketplace.
 
5. Corner Edge Bumpers: You can deal with the corners of your end-tables and coffee tables with corner and side guards. One-dimension-fits all because you minimize the foam to fit your particular table precisely.
 
6. Outlet Covers: For used outlets with cords, you may buy a cover that may prevent your child from unplugging the cord and messing with the outlet. They are best for high-traffic areas where you will be plugging and un-plugging items frequently.
 
7. Childproof Latches for Cabinets and Drawers: Drawer latches are also a must-have for childproofing your home. They'll prevent your growing infant from exploring intact drawers with sharp or tiny items stored inside. Ideal for your kitchen, bathroom, or home office. Choose childproof latches that won't allow your little one to get even a hand inside.
 
8. Railing Net: Stair as well as railing nets may also be a must if your railing spindles are generally further than 2.5 to 3 inches apart. 
 
9. Bath Tub Safety Items: Bath-time is always interesting for a growing baby. Keep it risk-free by using some of these little accessories.
 
 - A bathtub thermometer to gauge water temperature.
 - A bathtub safety rail to help the little one get in and out of the tub safely.
 - A faucet cover that will protect her little head from nasty bumps. 

These are the most crucial baby safety gear items out there. Consider them as a crucial investment you will make in the years of growth and exploration still ahead of you. 
 
Bonnie Ryan writes for www.designerdiaperbags.org, her personal hobby blog focused on recommendations to help mothers become much more eco-conscious and make their very own eco-friendly baby diaper bags.