apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Have you had the baby yet? I've found that most of the things that are recommended just aren't necessary. Professional babyproofers (unless you're really, really busy) are running a bit of a racket. But it really depends on your child.

We've been doing extensive renovations with our baby in the house. He's now two, and very, very active. When we're doing things involving a saw, we usually send him to a grandmother's (they're nearby - that's why we moved to this city. Although free babysitting is never *really* free...I digress.)

Anyway, the cupboards he can reach are filled with things that he can't harm; there's a cupboard filled with things that are OK for him to play with. There are tables that he can play with his cars on, and others that he's to leave alone. I've found it's better to direct the impulses than to try to cut them off.

It's other people's kids in my house and my kid in other people's houses, where none of the rules are clear, where the problems tend to arise.

Anyway, the important thing is peace of mind. But outlet covers, cabinet locks for the areas you keep medicine and cleaners, and the all-important toilet lock (if you've got a child who shows an early interest in plumbing) - that really should do it.

And (of course) move the breakable things you care about up high. I was thinking that the ideal small child plus adult room has a floating shelf all around the perimeter at about 5 feet, so there's always a place to put your coffee down. My baby didn't sleep through the night - not even once - until he was 20 months old. I needed that coffee.

I don't have children, but one suggestion I read somewhere about babyproofing was to crawl around on the floor at baby level, then toddler level, etc., to figure out where the problem areas are. You'll find stuff you wouldn't normally think of because you're not down there poking around like babies would be.

First and foremost - if you have a newborn/toddler/teen/adult child the most important thing is a smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm.

When I was pregnant I asked a friend of mine to bring her daughter (at the time she was a year old and just learning to walk) and we let her roam free. What I learned was I needed cabinet locks, a toilet seat lock, and socket protectors. As someone else mentioned I left things he could play with lower like my plastic containers (which my son loved more than the toys we purchased). Once my son was born it was kind of learn as you go (i.e., he could open doors that I didnt want him to so I put a knob protector on). I also found that it was easier to put away my coffee table and make more room for him to wander than it was to "babyproof it" or worry about him hitting the corners. As he got older I just moved the more dangerous and or expensive stuff higher.

I also suggest purchasing a small portable playpen. I used to stick my son in there with a fun toy while I got things done (shower, vacuuming, etc.) It was a great way for him to see me plus contain him for a short period of time.

I guess my best advice is talk to other mothers - listen to their horror stories/mistakes and learn from them. But I wouldn't hire someone to tell you what to do.

Good luck with the new baby!!

Sorry I didn't see Original Blues post didn't mean to repeat so much.

I second the first post. But in addition I'd secure my tall bookcases (i.e., over 3 ft in height). My 18-month old likes to climb...

Whups, wrong article! *Sigh*

Hey everyone, I have an 18 month old at home who I think is the reason baby-proofing was invented! she will pull, eat, break, or rip everything in site! I have a section filled with the best baby proofers in the NY Area on my site cityhammer.com...feel free to check them out

http://cityhammer.com/catalog/companyList/?category_id=30

later
Josh