Safety Tips For A Crawling Baby
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As parents, every little feat achieved by our little ones is a milestone worthy of celebration. When parents witness their babies crawling for the first time, the experience is nothing short of magical. It’s time for your kiddo to begin exploring the world on all fours. And it is only a matter of time before they take their first steps. Needless to say, It is a precious moment for the parents. However, parents will now also have to think about the safety of the baby. It’s important to make sure the household is safe and hygienic for a baby to crawl around. And more importantly, any potential hazardous item would need to be kept away from the reach of your child.
As you cherish the wonderful moment of your little one growing up and being capable of crawling about, also put in the effort to make it super safe and secure. In this article, we are listing some important safety tips you should always keep in mind. So, let’s dive in:
1. Keep Away Hazardous Objects
Keeping hazardous objects out of reach is one of the first things you need to do once your baby has started to crawl. Sharp objects, chemicals, and even tiny objects such as coins will have to be kept away from your baby. Ensure all of these objects are placed on a table or shelf above three or four feet high. The time where babies start crawling also coincides with their teething period, which further increases the chances of them trying to chew on things. Remember that many things, which you don’t consider hazardous per se, can still be dangerous if chewed or swallowed.
2. Keep Away Breakable Decorative Items
We all love how that lamp looks on the floor or how beautiful the vase can look on your low-lying coffee table. However, you will have to store away breakable decoratives while your child has started to crawl and proceeds to walk. Firstly, your baby might knock these items down, and secondly, when these items break, it can hurt your child. Be patient and store away your beloved vases and glassware until your baby is ready to know what not to break.
3. Invest In Baby Gates
A baby gate is essentially a barricade made of metal, wood, plastic, or mesh. It can be permanently installed or retractable. It is used to prevent your child from going up or down the stairs. It can also be used to prevent them from entering potentially dangerous areas in your house, like the kitchen. Get a baby safety gate to secure the movement of your baby once the crawling starts.
4. Make Some Space
This is an excellent time for you to rearrange your house. Make space for your little one to enjoy crawling around uninterrupted. Doing this will also prevent your little one from bumping into furniture. You don’t have to rearrange the entire house. Figure out where your baby spends the most time and create some good space for them by moving out the furniture to another room.
5. Dress For Comfort
As much as you love to see your little munchkin in the cutest of clothes, it is best to opt for comfy clothes that won’t hinder your child’s crawling. Instead of dresses on your little girl, opt for comfortable leggings and tops. For your baby boy, opt for comfy pants, and avoid pants that are too baggy. You should also avoid shorts as this might hurt your baby’s knees while crawling.
6. Electric Appliances And Wires Should Be Out Of Reach
If you’ve got electric wires or appliances strewn on the floor, it’s time to do something about it. Firstly, cover electric sockets that are low-lying — babies tend to put their fingers right into the sockets. Buy outlet caps to cover the sockets, or ask your electrician to shift the socket to higher ground. Secondly, gather any wires that are left on the floor and tape them where your child has no access. Electric appliances must be kept away from children. It can be dangerous, and the consequences can be severe.
7. Be Careful Of The Toys You’re Getting For The Baby
Some babies try to put anything they can get hold of in their mouth. Swallowing unwanted items can cause real problems for your little one. So, while buying toys make sure that the size of the toy is big enough for the baby and does not allow any room for swallowing.. Some toys also come with small detachable components which too you have to keep a lookout for. And sometimes, small chunks break off from the main body which too can be something a baby might grab and swallow. Keep a close watch on what your baby is playing with and discard any item that might pose a potential risk.
8. Ensure Cleanliness
If you’re allowing your baby to crawl on the house floor or the carpet, it’s a given that first you ensure the cleanliness of the place. Immunity in babies are comparatively less than adults and exposure to dust and dirt can cause many ailments and allergies. Additionally, make sure that there aren’t any small items lying around which the baby might grab hold of. Another thing to be mindful of is, if you’re using strong chemicals to clean the floor with, don’t let your child on the floor immediately. Let it dry completely before letting your kid down.
You might have baby-proofed and secured your house to the fullest, but you still have to keep an eye on your baby at all times. Babies are inquisitive — anything and everything can draw their attention. You can take a bit of a breather if your child is in the crib, but the minute your little one is on the floor crawling, you’ve got to be vigilant. Has your baby started crawling yet? What are the safety measures you’ve taken to keep the mischievous crawler safe at home? Let us know in the comments below!
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