We strongly recommend you use a plan for childproofing your home. One method we have found helpful is putting together a blueprint of your home.

You can do this yourself by simply taking a pad of paper and sketching out each room of your home. If you live on more than one floor, just use one sheet of paper for each floor.

On your blueprint, first mark off the rooms that are "out of bounds", and list how you plan to restrict access to that room (i.e., child gate, locked door, door knob cover).

Then, in each remaining room, list each potential hazard. For example, in the bedroom, you may list six wall outlets, four sash cords, two doorways, four windows, eight drawers, etc.

Next to each potential hazard, list how you will fix it...for example: six shorteners, four corner guards, etc. Use this as your work checklist (and your shopping list).

More Accidents Happen At Home Than Anywhere Else

One of the single most important things you can do to help insure your child's safety is to childproof your home. We know, as parents, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our children. We also know the home is full of hazards for young children and infants. Ideally we would like our children to be under constant supervision to guard them against these hazards; however, this is not always realistic, possible, or even developmentally wise.

Every new parent should think about childproofing their house even before they bring their baby home. You'll be amazed at how fast they grow. Though the task may seem daunting, it will seem easier if you approach it one room at a time.

You might consider looking at each room in your home through your infant's eyes - literally. Start with their bedroom. Lie down on the floor and look around the room from that perspective. Imagine it as a wondrous new adventure...where everything is new and intriguing. From this perspective, you will be wondering what's behind doors, in drawers, through windows, downstairs? What are these outlets, electrical and sash cords, and everything else for? Be as curious as your child would be.

As you observe from this perspective, you will be amazed at the number of potential risks you will uncover. Additionally, for each risk, take a risk prevention measure. Install outlet covers, cord shorteners, door and drawer latches, edge guards, window guards, door and stair gates.

Repeat this for every room. Also, when your infant is young, try blocking off dangerous areas, child gates, and locked doors. Moreover, you may find it helpful to buy a childproofing book or video to help guide you in childproofing your home.

Credits: Lynn