Is your living room babyproof?
There's a lot to worry about when you bring your new baby home from the hospital. Is he eating enough? Does she sleep too long? Am I a good parent?
While it's impossible to control or fix every concern, there's is something you can do to reduce your long list of worries –baby proof your home. And since you're probably going to be spending more time than ever before at home on your couch, the living room is a great place to start. Once your baby starts crawling or scooting, they risk a whole host of dangerous discoveries.
Here are 6 ways to baby proof your living room:
1. TV mount
If your flat screen TV is stationed on a low stand, it can pose a major safety concern if is tipped, bumped or pulled by your baby. Rather than risk serious injury or even death, parents are advised to set their TV at a higher elevation, or purchase a wall mount – these are available at most department and electronic stores. Another option is the ProGrade Flat Screen TV Lock from Safety 1st. This handy devise attaches your flat screen TV to another surface to prevent it from toppling over. It even allows you to tilt and angle your TV for optimum viewing pleasure.
2. Cover plugs
Electrical cords and plugs can be enticing to curious infants – however, they can also be dangerous, even deadly. To make sure your baby stays safe, make sure cords aren't in arm's reach. It is also advised that you insert plastic outlet plugs into all unused electrical outlets – just make sure they snap tight so your infant can't remove them.
3. Keep your sofa away from windows
You may want think twice about the location of your couch if it is placed directly next to a window. According to a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide, around 5,200 children in the U.S. are taken to hospitals each year for treatment from a window fall. Don't let your little one be another statistic!
4. Window locks
If the layout of your living room hinders your ability to rearrange furniture – especially your couch – window locks will give you a piece of mind. Some parents assume window screens will deter protect their children from falling out –don't make this mistake. Screens are meant to keep the insects out, not to prevent falls.
5. Blind cords
Since we're on the topic of window safety, another area of concern to point out is blind cords. Children can easily become caught in blind cords, which can result in strangulation and even death. All they have to do is place their head through a cord loop or wrap a single cord around their neck – it only takes a second to happen. While the safest window coverings are ones without cords one can see or touch, your best bet is to remove corded window coverings all together. Your home and hardware store is likely to have a variety of cordless window covering options.
6. Coffee table bouncers
Your coffee table will have to withstand a lot of wear and tear when your munchkin begins putting himself/herself up. You will also want to make sure it's safe – that means no sharp corners or edges. All too often, little ones arrive in the ER because of coffee table-related head injuries – don't let this happen in your house. While you could trade in your current model for a new table – perhaps a soft leather or synthetic ottoman – there are ways to keep your current table and make it safe. Have you heard of the Munchkin Edge and Corner Cushion Kit? With more than six feet of foam cushions and four foam corners, this all-in-one cushion solution secures both straight and curved tables. Installation is quick and simple, and the included adhesive removes easily without damaging furniture.
With these six safety tips in mind, you can rest easy in your living room knowing your little one is out of harm's reach.