Your baby proofing action plan
Your baby proofing action plan
Even though they won’t be mobile at first, it’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival. Read our baby proofing tips, from baby safety locks to baby corner guards, to minimize the risk of accidents at home.
- Fasten or remove tall, wobbly furniture such as floor lamps and bookcases.
- Attach the TV to the wall.
- Hide electrical cords or make sure they’re out of baby’s reach.
- Fit safety gates to stop your baby from climbing or from falling down the stairs.
- Put screens in front of any fireplaces.
- Keep low furniture away from windows.
- Add non-slip mats to all rugs.
- Cover sharp furniture corners with baby corner guards.
- Put cabinet safety locks on any drawers, doors, or cupboards at floor level.
- Add hinge protectors to doors.
- Unplug electrical appliances and store out of reach of baby.
- Fit baby safety locks or catches that restrict the opening of windows. Make sure adults know where the keys are kept in case of a fire.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Check the house and garden for poisonous plants.
- Install an approved rear-facing baby seat in the car.
- Save emergency and medical contacts into your phone.
- For ideas on how to get baby’s nursery ready, read our checklist.
Related articles
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives.
2 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for and how to deal with them
Having a baby and becoming a first-time parent is a massive emotional rollercoaster. Here are 9 emotions after giving birth that you may be experiencing.
3 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
How to give a baby massage
Baby massages are a great opportunity for interacting with your baby and for skin-to-skin contact. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown.
2 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
Baby vaccine schedule
Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses for your baby.
4 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
How to Switch From Breastfeeding to Bottle-feeding
Whether you want to express breast milk or you’re thinking of supplementing with baby formula, try these 13 tips on how to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding.
7 mins to read
How to prepare and store baby formula
Formula. It’s full of nutrition—but how you prep and store it can serve up some questions, too.
5 mins to read
Benefits of probiotics for babies
This article includes contributions from Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician, and Charlotte Geroudet, GD.
5 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition