If a baby is on the horizon for you and your family, you have some work to do. Babyproofing your home will not only help keep your baby safe, but it will also help you to hang on to your sanity. A baby not only changes the family composition, but this new stage of life also changes how you live in your home. According to Home Advisor, babyproofing your home can cost up to $1300. Luckily, these tips will help you save on costs while keeping your new baby safe.
Start Early
Family life can get hectic. Don’t wait until the baby is on the go to babyproof your home. Start adding babyproof gear to your home during pregnancy. Time will move quickly, and before you know it, months will have gotten away from you. Of course, it is also much more budget-friendly to take a slow and steady pace to babyproofing instead of doing it all at once.
According to HouseFresh, we typically spend about 90% of our time indoors. Making the indoors a safe place for your baby is essential. Start today so you and your family can pace yourselves and ready the house for the baby.
Remove These Things From the Crib
We all enjoy seeing babies snuggled under blankets in their cribs, surrounded by their loving families gazing down upon them. It’s a great photo op, but it is not safe. Remove all stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, and blankets from the crib. With simple swaddles and sleep sacks, your baby will sleep safely and comfortably.
Cover Electrical Outlets
Before you know it, your baby will be crawling. Uncovered outlets are an open invitation for trouble. If you can’t afford the plastic outlet covers, electrical tape covering the outlets will do. As long as the baby can’t poke things into the outlet, aesthetics take a back seat. According to Electrical Safety First, your wiring should be tested every ten years, so if you have the funds, consider calling an electrician. Above all else, cover those outlets.
Block Stairs, Doors, and Windows
Babies turn into toddlers very quickly, and it is important to protect them from themselves. According to the American Pediatric Association, most toddlers are ready to use stairs at around a year and a half. Of course, you must ensure that there are safety measures in place when it comes to stairs.
You may have to spend money on a baby gate to mount at the top of the stairs to ensure your baby doesn’t come tumbling down. If the budget is tight, you can build a gate by creating a frame out of wood and adding some chicken wire or screening.
Pool noodles can ensure little fingers don’t get stuck in doors. Cut the pool noodles into sections and attach them to the lip of the door. A screen mesh can be placed over the lower section of accessible windows to reduce fall risks.
Install Cabinet Locks
A wide range of cabinet locks on the market will help secure your cabinets and keep your baby safe. If your family doesn’t have the budget to invest in cabinet locks, you already have things around your home that you can use to secure your cabinets.
Heavy-duty rubber bands can work on side-by-side cabinets by stringing the rubber bands through the pulls. On single cabinets, strips of Velcro are an easy solution. The aesthetics may not be what you are after, but these solutions will keep the cabinets closed securely so the baby cannot access dangerous items.
Disinfect Toys and Other Items
Babies love to put everything in their mouths, including toys. You can help to keep your baby safe by disinfecting their toys regularly. You don’t have to invest in special over-the-counter cleansers; you can pop them in the dishwasher and set the dishwasher to sanitize. If you don’t have a dishwasher, fill the sink with hot water and a capful of bleach and let the toys soak.
Babyproofing your home is important in introducing a new baby into the family, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Follow these tips to babyproof your home on a budget.
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