Baby Proofing Your Home

Once your baby starts crawling around, one of your greatest concerns and responsibilities is to make sure your home is safe. There will be so much to think of and at times you might overlook certain things. So, in order to make sure that doesn’t happen, it would be my pleasure to list down some of the most raised questions about baby proofing your home.

What is the best way to approach baby-proofing our home?

The very best way to detect danger is by seeing your home from the eyes of a child. You could get down on your hands and knees and crawl around your home. This will enable you to see hazards you might not have recognized at your full height. Are electrical outlets in baby’s reach or are there electric cords hanging down that your baby can pull on or get tangled in? Does your furniture have sharp corners? Are there precious items at your baby’s level that should be put up out of reach?

What is the most hazardous situation for my baby?

Any situation that places your baby in harm’s way is the worst situation for your baby. The most hazardous situation for your baby is choking or anything that might cause him to stop breathing. The most hazardous situation for you baby is one that caused an injury that could have been prevented.

What are some things I need to consider when I am baby-proofing our home?

There are many things to consider. Your baby is a quick mover so it is never really safe to leave him unattended if at all possible. Consider putting up all valuables and breakable items out of reach of your baby’s. Anything that is small enough to fit in his mouth should be removed. If in doubt as to whether any one item is small enough to fit in your baby’s mouth and pose a choking hazard take an empty toilet paper roll. If it fits inside the tube it go in his mouth and possibly harm him.

Why do I need baby safety gates?

Baby safety gates can be placed in doorways or at the top and bottom of staircases. The gates can prevent your baby from getting into the kitchen or bathroom. They can also prevent your baby from tumbling down the stairs or climbing the stairs and falling. The mesh or the holes in the gate should not be large enough for your baby to put his toes through to climb the gate. Gates now are being made to operate hands-free or one handed. There are gates being made with the bars going vertical instead of horizontal reducing the chances of your baby being able to climb the gate.

What are electric outlet covers or locks?

Electric outlet covers look like plastic plugs when they are inserted and prevents your baby from sticking his fingers or something else in the outlet and getting a serious shock. Electric outlet lock plates can replace typical outlets and in order to insert anything into the outlet the plug has to be inserted and turned.

It was suggested to me that I have motion alarms on our doors and windows, why would I need them?

Some kids are very active and able to do things you would not ever think about Children have been known to open windows and fall through screens and become seriously injured. There are many news stories where toddlers have gotten up in the night and oblivious to their parents opened the door and went outside. Some are found wandering around and others are not so lucky. Some windows now come with a mechanism to prevent the window from being opened more than an inch or two. The alarms will alert you to the door opening and you can intervene before something tragic happens. Besides, it will also be very useful to keep intruders away.

What kind of baby-proofing products are available?

There all kinds of baby products available and most are reasonably priced. There are motion sensors, corner cushions for sharp corners on furniture. There are electric outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks of different types and cord retractors for window blinds.

Is there anything available to protect my baby from getting in between banister posts?

There is netting available that can be attached with screws that will prevent your baby from getting between the banister posts. This product is similar to the deck netting available for outdoor decks.

How do I baby proof my nursery?

You can baby proof your nursery by keeping your baby’s crib away from windows and blinds cords. Put outlet protectors on all outlets. Make certain to dress your baby in sleepers rather than using blankets. When your baby begins sitting up place the mattress in the lowest position. Do not put stuffed animals or pillows in the crib with your little one, they could nestle up to them and suffocate.

How do I baby proof my kitchen?

Put all cleaners or chemicals up out of reach of your baby. Make sure all drawers and cabinet doors. While cooking put all pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Do not allow electric cords to hang over counters where your baby can pull on them. Better still, if possible unless you are feeding your baby keep him out of the kitchen.

How do I baby proof my car?

It’s easy actually. You can baby proof your car by making sure the car seat your baby will ride in is installed correctly and that it is the correct one for your baby. Remove all loose items that could become missiles in a crash or quick stop, and place them in the trunk. And, drive safely!

Now that you’ve read all the questions and answers, I hope it could provide you with some ideas and tips on how to provide a safe and sound home for your baby. Remember, it is better for you to be safe than sorry.

How to Ease Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Some pregnant women may feel fine, but not everybody is quite that fortunate. Some even suffers this sickness not only in the morning, but the whole day. This could be very depressing and making you feel miserable. Worry not, because morning sickness is not without cure. Well, at least there are some ways that could help you to ease this problem.

Control your blood sugar level
Alleviate morning sickness by keeping your blood sugar level stable at all time. You should eat around four or six meals a day to keep from having an empty stomach. Obviously, sleeping is a major problem when you are trying to regulate your blood sugar. You could try to eat without getting out of bed. Take only small bites. Try to eat a little bit and then wait a while before standing up. Give the food some time to make it into your system. Also, eat snacks that is high in protein and complex carbohydrates before going to bed at night.

Watch what you eat
Certain foods may trigger morning sickness. Avoid foods that will spike your blood sugar level. Foods such as processed sugars and white flour can cause morning sickness. Whole grain foods and protein are a good alternative as they are less likely to cause nausea.

Be careful from drinking too much water
Although Doctors will tell you repeatedly to drink plenty of water, it can make morning sickness worse. They are trying to ensure that dehydration doesn’t become a problem. Try some alternatives to water. Smoothies with a little plain yogurt with fruit mixed in could help wonderfully. Or you can try mixing water with a little lime or lemon. You can even try tea be it cold or hot, very watered down. Fruits such as melons can help with morning sickness. Regardless of your preference, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. If water is exacerbating morning sickness pregnancy, you do need alternatives.

Smells can trigger morning sickness pregnancy
Odors are one of the reasons that always cause morning sickness or even nausea feeling throughout the day. Therefore, try to stay away from any strong smells. Cook odor-neutral foods – no garlic, onions, or oily fish. Run from people that have odor problems. They can make your morning sickness pregnancy worse.

Get a toothpaste that suits you
Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that does not increase the queasiness and rinse the mouth with a good rinser after each bout of vomiting, as well as after each meal. Not only will this keep the mouth fresh and reduce nausea, it will also decrease the risk of damage to teeth and gums that can occur when bacteria starts working on the regurgitated material in the mouth.

Positive Thinking
You can ease morning sickness pregnancy by focusing on positive things. Remember, while your face is in the toilet, you are growing another person inside you. This is one of the most wonderful times in your life, and the morning sickness pregnancy will not last forever. In a few months, a beautiful baby will come out and your life will be more fulfilled than you could ever imagine. Read baby name books, look at pregnancy clothes, and try to get yourself excited that you are about to have one of life’s greatest little gifts. It will also help if you get enough sleep and relaxation.