How to Baby Proof Your Apartment: 11 Tips and Tricks

What are the benefits of baby proofing?

Forty percent of parents say that their child's injury could have possibly been prevented if they took sufficient baby proofing measures beforehand.

If you're a new parent, the thought of baby proofing your apartment can be daunting. After all, there are all sorts of potential hazards lurking in every room. But don't worry, we're here to help!

Here are some tips for baby proofing your apartment that will help put your mind at ease while for when your little one starts to crawl and walk around more.

1. Get rid of any sharp objects

The first step in baby proofing your apartment is to make sure sharp object such as knives, scissors, or other sharp tools are locked up in a safe place or simply out of reach by storing it in a high cabinet or on a top shelf.

Keep in mind that it is easy to miss potential hazards around the house and just focus on the obvious ones listed above. You should take a look around the low areas of areas that your child has access to and think like a baby -- can this decoration possibly cut them? If so, it is better to be safe than sorry and to put it out of reach on a higher shelf.

2. Cover up electrical outlets

Babies are curious by nature and will explore everything, especially electrical outlets. To prevent them from sticking their fingers or other objects into outlets, cover them up with outlet covers or plugs.

Outlet covers are inexpensive and don't interfere with normal use when you need them. Put them in every outlet that your child can reach around your house or apartment and give yourself some peace of mind.

3. Put baby gates at the top and bottom of stairways

Using a baby gate is essential if you're a parent of a toddler as it keeps your little one safe from accessing areas that may cause harm. Baby gates will become your best friend when it comes to maintaining safety in the home and keeping an eye on your child while they explore and learn.

Investing in a good quality baby gate can add extra protection without restricting movement or taking away fun. Plus, it doesn't have to be expensive! With various sizes, materials, and designs available, you can find something that fits with your lifestyle and budget- plus many gates even come with extension kits which make them perfect for any home no matter how spacious. So don't risk any accidents or injuries - get yourself a baby gate today!

4. Anchor furniture to the wall

As a parent of a small child, anchoring furniture can be an important safety measure to look into. If you're looking to update your home with furniture, consider that it's not only necessary for the big pieces such as chests and dressers, but smaller accent pieces as well, like bookcases and wall units.

Anchoring furniture to the wall helps keep these items secure, so if your little one decides to climb on them or even try standing up on top of them, they won't topple over. Using anchors helps ensure stability and protect your child from getting hurt or injured. It's also smart when you move homes - anchors take the guesswork out of making sure all pieces are securely in place before putting them to use. Look into anchor systems designed for specific types of furniture so you know you're getting high-quality protection for your child.

5. Keep your windows safe and secure

Another hazard to watch out for are open windows. Babies are curious and may try to climb out if given the opportunity. To prevent this from happening, install window guards or locks on all windows in your home.

Make sure to be careful that you don't assume window screens are baby proof. This is a common misconception among parents and can possibly lead to some dangerous consequences. Window screens are often made of thin material that could be punctured if a child leans on it too hard. Additionally, they are usually not well secured to the frame of the window and will pop out quite easily.

Finally, be sure to protect the glass itself. As you probably know by now, kids can pack quite a punch with a hard object in their hand, and this could lead to cracking or shattering the glass of the window itself. Look into window film protectors that go on top of the glass and in the event that it breaks, protects against shattering and sending sharp pieces everywhere.

6. Keep cleaning supplies out of reach

Keeping cleaning supplies out of reach with a small child is essential to protecting their health and safety. Cleaning products are often made with hazardous chemicals and can cause serious problems if ingested or inhaled. Little hands move quickly, so it's important to be diligent about finding a place where these items can be safely stored away from your child.

As an added bonus, this practice also helps promote independent play as children learn the importance of responsible decision-making when they can't access potentially dangerous materials.

By keeping the cleaning supplies out of reach and putting appropriate safety protocols in place, you'll be helping to ensure that your little one remains safe and healthy while exploring their curiosity.

7. Lock up medications and poisonous chemicals

Medications and poisonous chemicals should be kept out of reach of children and the best way to do this is to store them in locked cabinets or rooms. Additionally, make sure any and all medications you do have are secured with childproof tops just to be sure.

If you do store medications and chemicals in a cabinet, make sure you secure them with cabinet locks to be sure it is not in vain. If the cabinet doors are opened easily and your baby can just grab the dangerous item anyways then it is a waste to put it in there in the first place.

Lastly, you will want to make sure to check the laundry room in addition to the bathroom for items that could be harmful to your baby and if you find something to put it out of baby's reach.

8. Use child-safe products throughout your home

Last but not least, child-safe products throughout your entire home. These include things like door knob covers, outlet covers, and corner guards. By using these products, you can rest assured knowing that your little one is safe from harm's way.

You might also consider replacing things such as a glass coffee table with one made out of a more forgiving material. Children seem to find a way to hurt themselves on everything and every potential threat you can eliminate is a bonus.

9. Create designated play areas for your child

Designated play areas are a great way to keep your baby safe and give them space for creative growth. They help promote a structured environment, which can lay the foundations for early learning success. Dedicating an area in your house specifically for play will also make it much easier to keep tabs on what materials you have available and when they need to be put away.

This is fantastic for busy parents who may not have time to constantly re-organize the components of their baby’s play area. Carpeted floors provide comfort and structural support while also making clean up faster at the end of the day.

With designated play spaces in place, you can be sure that your child has all the right materials close by when they need something new to explore.

10. Make sure plants are out of your child's reach

Plants can often look like toys and can be attractive for kids who want to explore their environment, but due to their size, they also pose a choking hazard. While not every plant is inherently dangerous, some may have spikes or small leaves than can harm your little one if they try to touch them.

To avoid any potential dangers, simply put your plants up on shelves off the floor or in an area where curious hands are unable to access them. Taking these simple steps will help keep everyone in the family happy and safe!

11. Check that your furniture is stable

One important precaution is to make sure all furniture is stable. Small children are just beginning to explore and move around, so even an armchair that wouldn’t pose a danger for an adult or older child can become unstable if climbed on by a young one.

That’s why it’s best to take the time to double check each piece of furniture and secure those that may be vulnerable. Taking this small step now will help avoid potential risks down the road.

Our final thoughts on babyproofing your apartment

It goes without saying that from time to time your child will still get bumps and bruises anyways, but by following these 8 simple tips, you can baby proof your apartment quickly and easily in an effort to reduce them and keep your baby safe.

Once you're done, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your little one is a little bit safer from major injuries and can be free to explore to his or her heart's content.