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Parentpedia
Babyproofing
What Experts Say
Finding and fixing potential hazards at home makes for a safe baby, so there's good reason to do your homework.
"We can't say that a specific hazard leads to a specific injury -- like a faulty smoke detector leading to a burn -- but there is evidence that homes with hazards have higher risk of injury for children," says John LeBlanc, M.D., author of a 2006 Canadian study on home safety and children. Still, there's more to babyproofing than sticking a few plugs into your electrical outlets.
One option is to turn the whole job over to a babyproofing consultant.
"We determine each client's unique issues," says Alison Rhodes, founder of Peek-a-Boo Babyproofing in Wilton, Conn. "Is the baby home fulltime? Are there older siblings who might need access to areas that you need to keep baby out of? Then we find the right items, creating safe zones where you can constantly keep baby in sight. We also look at environmental hazards such as lead, radon, and mold."
If you go with a consultant, look for a pro who's also a parent, and check references. Construction knowledge is a plus. Expect to pay around $100 for the initial consultation, plus more for gear and installation.
Then there's the do-it-yourself approach. "You can certainly do it on your own," says LeBlanc. "It's not hard, and there are plenty of checklists out there to get you started." (See below for a list of websites.)
With either approach, keep in mind that all the safety locks and latches in the world can't replace your watchful eye. Constant supervision is essential. What's more, you should babyproof as a process, not as a one-shot deal.
"The gate that keeps your crawler out of the living room can shift from being a protective measure to a hazard once he starts climbing," notes Rhodes.
Not only do kids change, but so does their environment. "New toys that come home must be checked, and it's also essential that parents check the safety of other places where children visit or receive care," Carol Runyan, Ph.D., director of the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center.
Bottom line? As Runyan says, "Expect the unexpected."
Babyproofing Websites
Get started by browsing the following websites for checklists and information on babyproofing.
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