Baby Safety: A Checklist Just For You!

Alright Mamas, so, you carried the baby for 9 months, successfully delivered your newborn, and now they are finally in your arms. Now comes the fun! But wait, the anxiety sets in… is your house safe for your baby? Have no fear… let’s learn some tangible things you can do to help get your house baby-safe!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, remember, the NUMBER ONE WAY to protect your child is your direct supervision! First and foremost, be present and keep your eyes on your little ones whenever possible.

Now let’s go room by room to make it most simple. You can also check out this free printable PDF Baby-Safe Checklist, CLICK HERE to download your copy!

 

BEDROOM/SLEEP ROOM

  • Creating a safe sleep environment is essential for you and your baby. Babies are safest sleeping in their own crib, on a firm mattress surface. Make sure the crib is away from windows and cords, and avoid having any loose items in the crib, including blankets, pillows, or toys. Avoid hanging wall decor above the crib that could potentially fall.

  • In the bedroom, or wherever you have your changing table, be sure to always keep your baby within an arm's reach. Babies can easily roll off areas like these, and it always happens quite quickly.  

  • Mount heavy dressers and bookshelves to the wall to ensure they stay put, and, as with any room in the house, pick up all choking hazards around the room (especially once the child is able to get out of their crib).

→ For more on safe sleep, check out my Safe Sleep Blog

 

KITCHEN

  • The kitchen is a place where babies love to explore. With so many sharp objects at their fingertips, it's important for you to take a few simple steps to keep them safe.

  • Tiny, curious hands are quick to get into dangerous positions in the kitchen. When using burners, use the ones towards the back of the stove, and always position the pot and pan handles away from you. 

  • Having a "safe drawer" in the kitchen is a great idea, which includes items the kiddos can play with, such as safe bowls, cups, or big spoons. This allows them to feel part of the kitchen experience, without hearing “no” to every item they try to touch. 

  • Place sharp/dangerous items out of reach; this includes sharp knives, scissors, matches, medications, large trash bags, foil, magnets, and any potential choking hazards.

  • Never place bouncy seats, bumbo seats, or other infant seats on counter tops or elevated surfaces.

  • Make sure all cleaning products, dishwasher pods, and chemicals are locked up and out of reach.

LIVING ROOM/PLAYROOM

  • Maintaining a safe place where children can freely explore is crucial to their development. One of the main ways to do this is to keep choking hazards out of reach: these include window cords, electrical cords, remotes, batteries, and any small toys.

  • Not sure what toys are choking risks for your baby? Try this test: can it fit inside of a toilet-paper roll? Put it away until the child is older! 

  • Additionally, mount any heavy furniture to the wall; this avoids heavy furniture accidentally falling on kiddos who might be exploring climbing, pulling, etc. 

  • Place plug covers on all electrical outlets and put locks on any windows 2nd story or higher.

  • While sometimes it may seem your baby is safe to leave on a couch or other soft, elevated surface, never leave them there unattended, as rolling can easily occur. 

 

STAIRS

  • Many accidents can be avoided by TEACHING our children how to properly navigate different areas of the house. Aim to teach your children at a young age how to safely go up and down stairs. However, if needed, install gates on stairs to keep curious kiddos in safe areas. 

  • Once kiddos are ready to start using the stairs, make sure you keep your stairs clear of clutter and ensure that stairs are always well-lit. 

 

BATHROOM

  • Bath time is so much fun! Kiddos love splashing about in the water, and nothing is better than snuggling up with a clean baby after bath time — but NEVER leave a baby alone in the water.  Baby should always be within an arm's reach.

  • Using a non-slip mat in the bathtub and placing a spout cover over the water spout can decrease accidents.

  • Remove cleaning supplies and other chemicals from bathroom cupboards so they are out of reach.

  • Keep  razors, garbage can, plunger out of reach.

 

GARAGE

  • Hide chemicals and poisons out of reach!!

  • Place power tools out of reach

  • Store buckets upside down so fluids cannot accumulate in them

  • Keep all chemicals in original packaging or bottles

  • Lock your car and trunk 

 

OUTSIDE

  • Keep any areas with water (pool, hot tub, pond, stream, etc) gated off and inaccessible to kids

  • Supervise any activity involving water or fire pits

  • Cover open window wells

  • Make sure play structures are safe and secure

  • Keep all gardening equipment secured

  • Never leave children unattended on a deck

  • Remove any buckets. They can fill up with water and are a drowning hazard

  • Do not allow children outside when someone is mowing the lawn

While it might seem like a lot, going room by room and thinking about how to keep your infant safe can make a world of difference. Each one of these precautions has been thoughtfully created so you can avoid a common accident.. And remember, the best way to keep your little one safe is your direct supervision – so enjoy those snuggles, memories, and special moments being present with them.

You’ve got this! 

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