Once your baby begins to crawl, and until he can recognize potential dangers in the home, you must carefully monitor your house for safety hazards. Walk from room to room, observing your environment from your baby's point of view. Notice which items may tempt your child, and identify which objects are unsafe. Think carefully about whether your home has any safety issues that may not apply to every home, such as stairs or a swimming pool. Watching your child carefully is of primary importance, because no child-proofing strategies substitute for close supervision.
Avoid Kitchen Hazards
The kitchen can be especially hazardous for babies and small children. Never leave children unattended in the kitchen, especially when you are cooking. When you cook, turn the handles of pans toward the center of the stove to reduce the risk that your child will pull a hot pot down onto himself. Install latches on all lower cabinets. Place garbage bags and grocery bags where your baby cannot reach them, as these pose suffocation hazards. Do not store household chemicals under the sink where your child can access them. Unplug small appliances, such as toasters and blenders, and tuck their cords behind them, so your child will not tug them down off the counter.
Avoid Poisoning
Keep all household cleansers, chemicals and medications locked up. Even a small child can use a chair or step stool to scale a counter, the washing machine or the bathroom sink, gaining access to high cabinets and the medicine cabinet. Do not leave medication in your purse. Post the telephone number to Poison Control (800-222-1222 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-222-1222 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) at every phone in your house. You can call this number for general information and specific questions on poisoning; the situation does not have to be an emergency.
Avoid Drowning
According to the National Network for Child Care, children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Never leave your child unattended around water for any length of time. If you are bathing her and must leave the room, take her with you. Attach a latch to the toilet lid, or keep the bathroom door closed. Empty wading pools and mop buckets as soon as you are done using them.
Avoid Choking
Do not give small children foods that are round, hard or sticky, including hot dogs, whole grapes, popcorn, raw carrots and raisins. Insist that your children remain seated while eating, and watch them carefully. Watch your baby as he crawls along the floor, and investigate if he seems to be putting anything in his mouth. Check all toys for loose or missing pieces that may cause choking. Do not give children under age 3 toys that are not made for infants and toddlers, because they may contain small pieces.
