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Baby Proofing Or Not?
Monday, August 06, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford from Child Development
I have trouble remembering what my home looked like before baby. Oh yes, there was a large vase of flowers I usually kept in the middle of a coffee table in the living room. The coffee table books – you know, those ones guests are supposed to peruse for conversation sake during a visit – are somewhere in a closet these days. I also remember that I could access the electrical outlets a bit more easily. With all these contraptions covering them throughout the house, plugging in anything comes with a 30 second delay.
The other day I made a trip upstairs. Our upstairs is a pseudo attic space. It is livable space that will probably one day look way cool to our little girl for a bedroom, but for now it is simply miscellaneous storage. It was here I was reminded of a few other things that were put away upon the little one’s arrival. One day, these items will come back down and perhaps I’ll feel like I’ve just went on a shopping trip and spruced up the house with these “new” items.
At this point, I’ve forgotten about their existence.
Did (or will) you baby proof your home?
The “will you” part is for all those folks in the world who think the only way that their child will learn self -control is by leaving the precious breakables out and teaching their lil one hands-off.
Do you agree?
Of course, number one in child development is providing a safe environment for your child to explore, learn and grow.
Do you need to baby proof?
As you know, I’m an “everything-in-moderation-mama,” which means I certainly did a few things to make our home a safer environment for the kiddo, especially when she began toddlin’ around, but I also left a few things out and about.
Maybe you’re thinking about how to go about baby proofing?
The best piece of advice is to get down on your kiddo’s level. Yes, this may mean literally getting down on the floor and crawling around! From their perspective, you’ll more easily be able to assess potential hazards. Vases on a coffee table are one thing, but sharp corners on a table are another. Also, be aware of items such as cords (for tripping or chewing) and any other sharp surfaces which can damage toes, fingers, or foreheads. Finally, baby gates are worth their price!
As for me, I’m reaching the stage where I can almost climb those stairs and bring back down a few of those breakables.
And you?
Wishing you a safe and healthy environment for your little one to grow and thrive.
Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Jeannie Fleming-Gifford is a mama to one little lady, freelance writer, and the director of education for a non-profit community school of the arts. Graduating with a B.A. in Music and a M.A. in Child Development, Jeannie began her career in quality child developme...Read More
