Tips for baby proofing your family room

Baby Proofing Directory > Room By Room > Baby proofing the family room 

The family room is one of the most dangerous rooms in your home. Many parents choose to block this room off except for bath and potty training time. Your child can drown in just an inch of water, so it is important to supervise your toddler at all times in this room. Here are some tips to get you started: The family room is one of the most dangerous rooms in your home. Many parents choose to block this room off except for bath and potty training time. Your child can drown in just an inch of water, so it is important to supervise your toddler at all times in this room. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Electrical covers - We have discussed this in other rooms, but they are critical in this room. You have a few different kinds to choose from. There are the plastic covers that come in a pack of 12 or 24. They are very cheap, and chances are your baby will begin to figure them out early on. The best type is the installed versions. They feature a cover that can swivel away to plug in an item, but snaps back into place when the item is unplugged. This type is harder to figure out for little hands, and you never have to worry about forgetting to plug the plastic cover back in!

2. Window treatments - Window covering or blind cords can be a major hazard for your baby, especially when near furniture. You will want to tie these up so that your child is unable to reach them. Cord shorteners can be purchased as well to do the job.

3. Bookshelves/furniture etc. Furniture should be secured with L-brackets. Your baby will try to pull themselves up on various items, so it is important to secure all items.

4. Small breakables and other small items. Items on lower shelves will be the first things explored. Place breakables up high, paying special attention to items that are small enough to pose as a choking hazard. Heavy objects can prove to be projectiles aimed at your windows or TV.

5. Chairs - Make sure that all desk chairs, dining chairs, etc. are pushed under the table all the way. Toddlers love to climb and may see your rolling computer chair as an interesting jungle gym.

6. Furniture edges - Sharp coffee table edges can prove to be a big problem for toddlers. You can buy corner guards at any store, or you can make your own. Make sure that whatever you use is secured properly, and your little one can’t pry it off and possibly choke on it.

7. House plants - low lying house plants normally get eaten. So place them up high, and make sure to research whether they are toxic. If they are- throw them out immediately.

8. Front/Back doors - Door knob covers may work, or you can choose to install high deadbolts that will keep your curious one inside.

9. Clean up often - spills and small items on the floor are all hazardous, so tidy up often.