Tell me about babyproofing

[isabel]

DS is getting pretty close to crawling, I think, and is scooting around all over the place. He's been grabbing electrical cords and I think it's time to do some of the basics. I know I need to get those outlet covers. What else should I be doing?

[VillainV]

Depending on when your house was built, you may not need outlet covers. We just bought a new-build and it ha the outlets with the built-in safety covers. You have to get down on your knees and look into the socket to tell, but if you see little covers over the holes (inside) then you're GTG and don't need outlet covers. Having said that, it takes some force, but you CAN still shove stuff in there like a car key, and that would suck. But if kiddo doesn't have access to thin metal stuff, then you probably don't need to worry.

DEFINITELY anchor furniture. If you have flat-screen TVs on TV stands, then you can buy anchors for those that will keep the TV from tipping over. You can start with just anchoring furniture in rooms where the kiddo hangs out (his room, your room, family room, etc).

Get drawer locks or cabinet locks for whatever cabinets you use to store cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, etc.

Make sure breakable stuff is out of reach and not on low shelves. For example, we leave our pantry door open a lot, so we moved all of the glass jars and canisters up where C can't reach them if he pulls up on the pantry shelves.

ETA:  We haven't done toilet lid locks, oven lock, etc because C has shown zero interest in them.  If he ever does show interest, we'll get those as well.