METCALF MOVING BLOG
5 Ways to Babyproof a Room in a Hurry
Babyproofing a room is something most parents have to do. And when you’re moving to a new house with a toddler in tow, you may need to do it in a hurry.
Your new home may not have many safeguards — and you’ll want a space safe for your baby or toddler pretty quickly.
Follow these five tips to make a room much safer for small children.
1. Get to the Child’s Eye Level
If you have a few child-free minutes, get down to their eye level and look around the room for hazards. You’ve probably done this a bunch of times already, but there isn’t a good alternative.
While you’re there, feel the flooring under your hands. If you get a lot of carpet fuzz or splinters from the floor, your baby will too.
Don’t get stuck only on outlets and climbing hazards. Older homes can have other problems, like peeling paint or loose fixtures.
2. Minimize Escape Routes
If your baby can crawl or walk, the first thing you need to do is prevent them from wandering. If you can, keep an adjustable baby gate in your vehicle. That way, you can pop it into place almost immediately.
Remember that the best baby gate is one that you know how to use and can use every time. If you find that you’re regularly tipping it over or removing it, you need a different one.
And don’t forget about climbing. Try to avoid placing the gate in a place with fixtures the child can use to climb over it.
3. Establish Boundaries
Sometimes, you have a room that needs a lot more work to be safe for a baby. In that case, you’ll want to establish tighter boundaries.
The good news is that there are plenty of products you can choose to customize. And they’ll work for almost any space.
If you don’t have a lot of space during travel, order a baby enclosure to arrive at your new home. You can usually assemble them fast, and they’ll keep your kid away from the walls, doors, and windows.
4. Avoid Other Hazards
Babyproofing usually calls for supplies, but thankfully they’re not all as large as gates or enclosures.
When you make a shopping trip for essentials for the home, buy a basic babyproofing kit. They usually have outlet covers, cupboard locks, and doorknob covers.
Put these on as needed, but make sure you know how to use them first.
5. Create Entertainment in the Space
Of course, babyproofing a room isn’t enough to keep a child safe and entertained. You need to add a few items to make it feel more like home.
The best way to make sure that your little one won’t try to break out is to create a play area in the room. First, start with a few favorites. Then, add new items or ones your child hasn’t seen in a while. The goal is to have a safe area that feels interesting and engaging.
Ultimately, your child still needs plenty of supervision. If you’re busy unloading or unpacking, consider asking a relative or family friend to babysit.
