When you discover that you are expecting a baby, you start thinking about all the changes that will need to happen in your lifestyle and home. Near the beginning of pregnancy, you purchase maternity wear. You may register at certain store so that others can buy you gifts for your baby shower. Some people who have the resources choose a room in the house to be a nursery, and they begin decorating that room. There are many things to buy, from baby chairs to cribs to wall paper to bath toys.

Those first few months are about acquiring the items needed to keep the baby safe, healthy and happy. A sleeping infant that cannot yet walk or crawl has no way to get around the house and get into things. But by the time your skinny jeans fit again, you have to start thinking about what happens when the baby learns to crawl. You start separating safe items from items that could hurt the baby, and you begin to child-proof the house.

Keeping the Baby Safe From Burns

You want to be sure that the child cannot be electrocuted or burned. Certain items, such as a hairdryer or a portable space heater, should be kept completely out of reach if they are present at all. Electrical sockets must be covered. You can buy plastic covers at almost any drugstore. If you have a fireplace, there should be a barrier between the fireplace and the child, and neither child nor fireplace should be left unattended if there is a fire burning.

Poisonous Items

The child should not be able to reach anything that could be harmful if swallowed. Cleaning supplies need to be stored in the highest cabinets. If this is not possible, the cabinet where they are stored should be locked. Any medications should be child-proof, and you should never leave out medicine or cleaning products. Pet food should also be kept out of the child’s reach.

Other Concerns

In addition to keeping dangerous items away from the child, you also need to make sure that all staircases are covered when the child is crawling. You can purchase baby gates, which cover the entrance to the staircase so the baby can’t go up or down. Make sure that all of the child’s toys are age appropriate, and don’t contain parts that the child could swallow. Be extra vigilant about cleaning up spills or broken glass. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can make sure that your house is safe for your baby.