The period of time between when your baby learns to roll over and when they take off crawling is so short. This means you don’t have much time to act to ensure their safety. Once you see that your baby can now roll, scoot, or relocate themselves however possible, it’s time to consider taking action to ensure your home’s safety. A crawling baby is a curious baby, so everything is fun for them—even if it’s dangerous.
Block Unsafe Spaces
A great way to know if a space is unsafe for your baby is to get on all fours and view the environment from their level. Small spaces, stairwells, underneath furniture, and most cabinets and drawers can put your baby’s safety at risk. Your baby might pinch their fingers, get stuck, or take significant falls without added security in these unsafe spaces. Additionally, be mindful of the railings in or around your home— specifically the stairwells and guardrails—and add them in yourself if necessary. Consider replacing any weak bars or fixtures to ensure that your home is safe for your baby during the crawling and toddler stage.
A few more things you can do to block off these spaces include:
- Putting locks on cabinets
- Installing gates on stairwells
- Using heavy furniture to block off potentially hazardous small spaces
Consider All Low-Sitting Electrical Items
The next thing to consider while you’re at your baby’s eye level is any low-sitting electrical items. This includes cords, outlets, and surge protectors. If you physically can’t do anything about a specific electrical setup, moving heavy furniture to block it off can help. An easy way to prevent harm from outlets is to simply use plug protectors, which can keep tiny fingers out of the sockets.
Relocate Unsafe Products
Locking the cabinets is an easy way to keep baby out of the products underneath your sinks. Another excellent solution is to simply relocate the products somewhere only adults can reach. You can also swap items from high to low, and vice versa—meaning, set your chemicals in the top cupboards and put the basic kitchen essentials in the bottom cabinets.
Protect Sharp Edges
Think about all the ways your baby’s head might suffer an injury from any sharp furniture edges. Once they’re pulling themselves up, sharp edges can injure their forehead, eyes, or skull. Rubber corner protectors or bumpers can mitigate this risk and bring peace of mind.
Don’t Forget Baby’s Mattress
Once your baby is sitting up unassisted and confidently, they’re more likely to use their crib rails as leverage. At this stage, drop the mattress a notch or two to prevent accidents. But once they’re mobile in any form, drop the mattress as low as it can go. A mobile baby is a strong, agile baby, but if the mattress is on the lowest setting, you can minimize the risk of them toppling over the edge of the crib.
You may lose some sleep when you think of all the safety steps you need to take before your baby crawls. Try not to overthink the process, and remember to view things from their perspective. You may find it beneficial to adjust items in the moment as you see your baby exploring. Always do what’s best for your child and your home above all else!