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Are you bringing a brand-new bundle of joy home to your apartment soon?
Are you and your little family moving into an apartment?
Are you worried about how safe your apartment is for your baby?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Babyproofing an apartment is no different than preparing an entire house for a new addition. Both present their own challenges, but one isn’t necessarily safer than the other. It’s all about how you handle it.
We’ve put together the best ways to keep your baby safe in an apartment to make sure you’re all set for this exciting time in your life.
Designate a Safe Area for Baby
Figure out the main area in your apartment where the baby will spend most of their time. Focus your attention there but don’t neglect the rest of your apartment.
Your little one will probably end up all over your apartment eventually.
That said, knowing where your baby can and can’t go will help you figure out the level of baby proofing you need to do. Some rooms will require more steps than others because the baby will have more freedom there.
Get Down on Their Level
It’s easy to overlook the little things when you’re standing at full height. It would help if you got down on your hands and knees to take a look at your apartment from your child’s perspective.
That’s the best way to see any potential hazards.
If peace of mind is what you’re after, few things get the job done than being completely thorough. It may feel a little ridiculous at first, but just remember, it’s all for your baby.
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Address Sharp Corners
Sharp corners aren’t baby-friendly, and they present an extra danger to kids just learning to walk because they aren’t steady yet.
Switch out the furniture where your baby will be playing, so there are only rounded corners if possible. Consider getting rid of your coffee table entirely if you don’t need it to give the baby plenty of room to crawl or run around.
On the other hand, there are corners that you can’t move, such as a fireplace.
Get bumpers to turn them into soft, smooth surfaces and protect your little one from a nasty fall. They aren’t the most aesthetic thing in the world, but they do their job, and they do it well.
Pad Hardwood Floors
Wooden flooring tends to be slippery, leading to more falls for new walkers that won’t feel very good.
If you have a hardwood floor in the main area of your apartment where your baby is hanging out, roll out an area rug for some extra padding.
They’re still going to fall, as all babies learning to walk do, but at least they’ll have a bit of a cushion there.
Tip: Make sure the rug you choose isn’t too thick to prevent them from tripping over the edges.
Lock Away Your Cleaning Products
Cleaning products and other chemicals are among the most dangerous things in your apartment when it comes to babies. Even if they aren’t allowed in the kitchen or bathroom that often, you should still take precautions.
Better safe than sorry.
Store cleaning products up high out of baby’s reach or install cabinet locks on lower cabinets. Cabinet locks are a good idea anyway to keep little hands away from things they aren’t supposed to play with.
Move Anything Breakable
If something is within your baby’s reach, make sure it’s something your baby can play with — because they’re going to get their hands on them eventually.
Move anything small, valuable, or breakable from lower shelves and tables to a place out of their reach.
Be mindful of where you leave things on tables and counters. Kids grow fast, and before you know it, they’ll be able to find a way to grab items on the edges of high surfaces.
Cover Electrical Outlets
Any plugs you aren’t using need an outlet cover, especially in the baby’s safe zone. It’s up to you if you want to cover outlets all over your apartment.
It’s a good habit to get into because you’ll be at it for a while.
Outlet covers only take a few minutes to install. It’s just as easy as plugging something in. They’re also easy to take out whenever you need to use the plug to power something up.
The few minutes of running around are worth it to put your fears to rest.
Block Off Dangerous Areas
You probably don’t have to worry about the stairs in your apartment. But windows, doors (or lack thereof), and balconies still present opportunities for danger.
That’s where baby gates and guards come in handy.
Keep the baby only in the area you want by blocking off places without doors, such as the kitchen. Keep your bathroom door closed as much as possible to prevent unwanted exploring. Make sure you lock the entrance to the balcony, especially if it’s a sliding door.
Baby proofing windows is also a big deal in any home.
Lock your windows when they’re closed, and use window guards when they’re open to stop your baby from pushing at the screen. Tie blind strings up high to keep them out of reach. And try not to move climbable furniture up against the windows.
Secure Your Furniture
Tall, top-heavy furniture is always at risk of toppling over, namely when a small child tries to pull or climb on them.
Ensure that you anchor bookcases and free-standing cabinets to the wall, so they don’t have a risk of falling. Keep flat-screen TVs out of reach, behind doors on an entertainment center, or mounted on the wall.
It may not seem like your small baby could possibly pull over a heavy piece of furniture, but it’s a chance no one ever wants to take.
In Conclusion
An apartment is just as suitable for your family as any house. You need to prepare for your new baby to come home just like you would in any other place. Their safety always comes first, no matter where you live.
Use this list to create the best environment in your apartment for your baby to stay safe and sound. You’ll sleep better at night once it’s all said and done.
Author Bio:
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer specializing in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Paramount 3800 to help them with their online marketing.
