If you have a baby, you probably have thought about basic babyproofing. Lock the cabinet under the kitchen sink, make sure knives are pushed the back of the counters, attach furniture to the wall, that kind of thing. But what about thinking beyond basic babyproofing? Babies will surprise you with what they find. After working daycare for a number of years and having two very opposite babies of my own, I’ve come to find some ways of babyproofing and something things that need babyproofing that you might not think of. Some are safety issues, some are just annoyances.
Beyond Basic Babyproofing
Vacuum every day
Yes. I said every day, especially if you or your husband work outside or you have pets. The amount of stuff that gets tracked inside is ridiculous. I constantly find my current baby trying to put leaves and little sticks in her mouth. The best way to cut down on that is to vacuum often. Even if you can’t see it, I guarantee you your baby can. Those little buggers have super sharp eyes when it comes to small things to put in their mouths.
Secure your desk drawers
I learned this one the hard way with my first one when she got into my stamps. I think she was trying to ship herself. This one isn’t so much a safety hazard as it’s just annoying. Babies can and will get into just about anything. If you don’t want it ruined, lock it up. Yes, it is inconvenient. Yes, it is annoying. But it’s not forever. It’s only for a year, maybe two, maybe less if you have a super awesome baby who learns rules quickly.
Hide the boots
I mean, unless you like them being dragged through the house, leaving dry grass and dirt in their wake. Also, boots seem to make excellent teethers. Frankly, I might be a “5 second rule” mom but I just “can’t” with that. It grosses me out so bad. So once the boots are dry, shake them off, and put them where the baby can’t find them. Or the opposite has also been true for me as well. If the boots are always kept there, they sometimes never bother them. It’s just common place. Each baby is different so this one might be trial and error.
Buy boxes with snap on lids
Seriously. Baskets are cute. I love baskets. I love fabric baskets that go in cube organizers. But, right now, boxes with lids that attach are very helpful. Lids that just set up are asking to be thrown across the room while the baby proceeds to dump out the contents of the container.
We lock up the dangers but what about other things? Tips to go beyond basic babyproofing. Click To TweetHide the exercise weights
This one surprised me. My baby regularly pulls mine out (both the 3lb ones and the 5lb ones) and drags them around the living room. I’m honestly okay with it but if that is something you don’t want to deal with, put them where the baby can’t find them. One of those boxes with a lid would be an excellent choice.
Don’t ignore the laundry
This is one of those ones that’s just annoying. If you’re anything like me, your clean laundry basket can sit in the living room for a couple of days before you fold the laundry. Do you know what this means when you have a baby? Socks and underwear chewed on and dragged all over the house.
Basic baby proofing is pretty easy to get done. But all that other stuff you didn’t realize you need to do? I’ve got you covered. 😉 What things do/did you babies like to get into?
Emily says
When my son became mobile, it felt like I was constantly putting things up and away! Thankfully we have laminate floors so EVERYTHING shows up. I sweep pretty much every day too.
Julie says
I’m in constant shock of what the baby finds that I didn’t even notice. I think I could clean the floors three times a day and she’d still find a little rock or something.
Emma says
I had a good laugh about the laundry part! I know that all too well, went through that phase with all of my 3 kids! LOL
Emma recently posted…Do I Need a Double Buggy for a Toddler and Newborn?
Julie says
I think it’s some sort of right of passage. 😉
Ashley Griffith says
These are great tips, Julie! We’re just about to have to start babyproofing everything and I definitely didn’t think of some of these
Julie says
It’s crazy how many things baby find to get into!