Baby Safety Corner Guards

How Do I Keep My Baby Safe From Accidents in My Own Home?
Author: David Boast
From birth though their early years, our children are completely dependent on us as parents and carers for their safety and well being. Although most of us are aware of the need to follow our moving baby around constantly checking for dangers signs as they explore, very few new parents are aware of the potential dangers newborns are exposed to in the home.
Although not yet on the move, babies under six months are capable of rolling movements that can suddenly destabilise a bouncer balanced on a table, or roll off a changing station if unsupervised, or simply work their way to the edge and fall off an armchair or sofa. In the year 2000, a staggering 20,000 injuries were recorded for children under the age of six months, and over 83% of those were caused at home. As a simple rule, join your baby at their level (on the floor) and try wherever possible to keep your child away from higher surfaces. If you do have a changing station, make sure you use a changing mat with a built in stability or harness system.
As baby starts to move, a whole new world opens up to him, and a whole new load of worries open up to us. Areas that were previously out of reach become a playground to explore for our little ones, and areas of our home we previously never considered could be hazardous, suddenly keep us awake at night.
There are three golden rules to babyproofing:
First look down. Try to see your home from your child’s perspective. Make a checklist of all potential dangers that your child may encounter, both as they are first crawling and as they learn to be more secure on their feet.
Secondly look up. Sooner or later you will have a mini mountaineer on your hands. That high up cupboard, the bookshelf, even the top of the television all become places your child may want to conquer.
Thirdly and most importantly, be prepared!
Preparation is the key. From the earliest stages, make sure you are prepared for bath time, for meal time, for changing time, for play time for sleep time. Make sure you have everything you need within reach. If for any reason you do forget something, never leave your child unsupervised, not even for the amount of time it takes to run from the bathroom to the closet for an extra towel. As baby learns to move and wants to discover on their own, prepare the world they are discovering and remove all potential dangerous obstacles or your child’s potential to reach them.
In coming articles we will focus on exactly how to baby proof different areas of your home, but a great source of information to get you started is the ‘Safety House’ feature at www.safetots.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
MIL is buying my baby toys and clothes?
from garage sales and second hand stores. It’s our first baby, and I know she’s just trying to help us since we don’t have heaps of money, but how do I tell her to stop buying crap? She never asked what type of toys i’ll be allowing for my children, or how I plan to dress them.I’d like to dress and raise my own child. She had her chance and it makes me sick when she’d rather give her grandchild used crap from someone else’s baby than spend a couple extra bucks to give the baby something new to wear or play with. She even bought used burp cloths?!
I told her that all I needed from a garage sale would be a gate for the stairs and other safety equipment, like corner guards and cabinet locks. She didn’t listen. She just went out and bought “clothes that looked unused”
Help?
I’m not spoiled, thank you, I just don’t like it when people are cheap with family members. I’d never give someone USED clothes for a baby shower gift. Who the hell does that? To me, that’s like giving someone your old clothes for their birthday!-
ANSWER:
Ok let me just say my grandmother does the exact same thing and I know how you feel. Except fot the safety things. I’d rather have those bought new. I want my new baby to have new things.My mother in law does try to give me my husbands old toys though. They also tried to give me his crib, and he is 25 years old.
As for your mother in law just tell her to give you the money instead or tell her exactly what you need from where. Or just go shopping with her and whenever she ask you if you like something at a garage sell tell her no. To everything.
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QUESTION:
Babies R Us “MUST HAVES” list?
Babies R Us “MUST HAVES” list?
What will i honest to god actually need that i shouldnt expect to get at the baby shower? below is the list of stuff Babies r us says i need-i posted it just so you can see why i’m questioning how much of it is legit. (as you can tell this is my first, lol)Infant car seat
Car seat base for 2nd car
Convertible car seat
Booster car seat
Car seat toys
Shopping cart cover
Car seat comfort & accessories
strollers
Travel system
Full-size stroller
Lightweight stroller
Mid-size stroller
Jogger stroller
Double & triple stroller
Stroller comfort & accessories
Stroller toys 6 Stroller diaper bag
backpacks & carriers
Backpacks
Front & back soft carriers
Sling & wrap carriers
play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards sheets (Qty: 2-3)
activity
Stationary entertainers
Walkers
Gyms & playsets
Bouncers
Swings
Door jumpers
Infant positioner
baby gear
feeding & nursing
Warmers & sterilizers
Burping cloths (Qty: 6-12)
Cloth diapers (Qty: 6-12)
Lap pads (Qty: 6)
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
breastfeeding
Breastpump
Breast pads, shields & cream
Breast milk storage
Containers or bags
Nursing pillow & stool
Nursing wrap/cover
bottle-feeding
Bottles for formula (Qty: 6-8)
Bottle nipples
Bottle drying rack
Bottle brush
Dishwasher caddy
Insulated tote
solid feeding
Feeding sets
Training cups
Infant spoons (for home)
Baby food processors & accessories
high chairs
High chairs
High chair cover
Splat mat
High chair toys
Extra high chair pad
booster seats
Booster seats
Splat mat
feeding accessories
Feeding accessories
infant care
bath & potty
Bathtub & seat
Washcloths (Qty: 8-12)
Hooded bath towels (Qty: 4-6)
Bath robe
Gentle shampoo & body wash
Baby lotion
Bath accessories
Bath toys
Step stool
Travel folding potty set
Stand alone potty seat
Toilet training seat (ring)
baby care & grooming
Nail clippers
Brushes & comb
Digital thermometer
Ear thermometer
Grooming kit
First aid kit
Humidifier/vaporizer
Baby mittens
Lotion
Baby oil
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Gas relief drops
Teethers
Pacifiers
Pain relief products
diapers & formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper pail refills
Wipe warmer
Diaper pail
Formula*
Diaper bags
Baby changing mat
Diaper ointment
Travel wipes
safety
Audio monitor
Video monitor
Cabinet/drawer latches
Safety gates
Outlet covers
Corner guards
Edge guards
Smoke & carbon monoxide alarm
infant care (continued)
nursery
cradles/bassinets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib
Bedding sets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib sheets (Qty: 2-3)
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib toys
nursery furniture
Crib**
Crib toys
Changing table
Armoire/chifforobe**
Dresser/chest**
Drawer linens
Hutch**
Glider or upholstered rocker**
Ottoman**
Blanket chest
mattresses
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pads (Qty: 3)
Vinyl mattress cover
Cradle, bassinet or
portable crib mattress
bedding
Crib bedding set
Fitted crib sheets (Qty: 4-6)
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Receiving blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Waterproof pads (Qty: 4-6)
Sheet savers (Qty: 4-6)
Changing table covers (Qty: 2-4)
Changing table pads 6 Sleep positioner
room décor
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib mobile
Lamp
Wall border
Window treatments
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Waste basket
nursery storage
Storage solutions
Organizers
Shelves
Baskets/storage bins (Qty: 2-4)layette
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
Burp cloths
Washcloths (Qty: 12)
Towels (Qty: 4)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Layette sets
bedding
Bedding sets
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Sheets (Qty: 4-6)
bath & healthcare
Wipes
Lotion
Massage lotion
Shampoo
Diaper cream
Stretch mark fading cream
Just for mom gift sets
Homecoming quilt
Matching sets
Cap & bootie sets (Qty: 2-4)
T-Shirts (Qty: 4-6)
Cotton overalls (Qty: 3-6)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Socks (Qty: 9-12)
Wearable blankets (Qty: 2)
Clothing hangers (Qty: 12-24)
Snow suit or bunting
Sweaters**
One-Pc. coveralls (Qty: 4-6)
Outfits (Qty: 4-6)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
clothing and layette
infant toys
Rattles
Teethers
Soft toys
Toys 0-12 months
Toys 12-24 months-
ANSWER:
Yaaaa…you don’t need 95% of that stuff…lolOkay….so here is what I needed and used in the 1st week
Infant car seat
Stroller (I actually had 2…1 regular and 1 jogger..but the jogger was borrowed…I didn’t need it, but was super glad I had it as it was easier to work with on hills and in the park etc)
Diaper bag
Diapers and wipes
Sleepers/onesies/socks/pants/shirts any other clothing you want/need
Crib and crib sheets
Monitor
Bassinette or playyard or cradle…whatever you want to use while baby is in your room beside your bed – i still don’t own a playyard, we used a borrowed cradle and that was fine…my son is 16 months…sometimes I wish I had a playyard, but you definitely do not need one
Breast pump and storage bags
Bottles/nipples (if you are breastfeeding, you only need 1 or 2 bottles…I had 3 and never opened the 3rd bottle…I only used 1 and left 1 at my mom’s house so that if she was watching him she could put frozen breastmilk in the bottle…hence the breast pump
They don’t need toys for some time…they don’t play with toys in the first week…but it is nice to have some car seat toys for entertainment
A play mat is very nice to have
Soothers (2 or 3)
Soother clip
Vitamin D drops
Bouncer/swing…I had both, but only needed 1..he would sleep in the swing, it was awesome!
Breast pads and cream (For sore nipples)
Burp cloths…but you can use old towels too
Infant Bathtub (very cheep…just a regular one, you don’t need the ones with hoses/showers etc)
Wash cloths/towels..again you can use regular ones
Mild baby bath soap
Gripe Water (excellent for gas etc) non-alcoholic
Cornstarch (Not peneten etc for diaper rash) this works way better and is much milder on skin!Hmmmm…that is about it!!
There are things that are nice to have…and you can totally decide and ask for those things too…but the must haves are above!
Hope this helps!
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QUESTION:
Child proofing sharp cabinet handles?
We recently moved into a home the has fairly sharp, hard-edged metal kitchen cabinet handles. With a toddler and baby on the way, I’m concerned with the safety- mainly bumping into or worse, falling onto one of these handles with their delicate skin.I know an option is replacing all of the handles with a rounded edge option, but there are over 35 handles and I know the cost would be great, not to mention fitting may be a challenge.
Does anyone know if there exists any type of clear plastic/rubber flexible guards that we can place around the handles? I know they sell knob covers and corner guards, but these are longer thin handles—anything exist like a cut-to-size flexible material we could wrap around?
Appreciate any ideas.
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ANSWER:
Mpreucil, well, in addition to sharp cabinet handles, I gotta tell you that there are other serious hazardous conditions from which you should consider protecting your newborn, and they include the list found in the following handy article linked below:http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Home_Improvement_Zone_Security_Systems_And_Tips_Make_House_Safer_For_Children.htm
I hope you find the above to be very helpful, as I’m sure you will.
Congratulations, too!
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Source(s):
The Internet. Just whatever is available online and what I have on my mind, including the inclusion of relevant sites, like the one cited that came into existence with my effort, which is intended to be useful. Helping people get the relevant info they want is great.
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QUESTION:
Babies R Us “MUST HAVES” list?
What will i honest to god actually need that i shouldnt expect to get at the baby shower? below is the list of stuff Babies r us says i need-i posted it just so you can see why i’m questioning how much of it is legit. (as you can tell this is my first, lol)Infant car seat
Car seat base for 2nd car
Convertible car seat
Booster car seat
Car seat toys
Shopping cart cover
Car seat comfort & accessories
strollers
Travel system
Full-size stroller
Lightweight stroller
Mid-size stroller
Jogger stroller
Double & triple stroller
Stroller comfort & accessories
Stroller toys 6 Stroller diaper bag
backpacks & carriers
Backpacks
Front & back soft carriers
Sling & wrap carriers
play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards sheets (Qty: 2-3)
activity
Stationary entertainers
Walkers
Gyms & playsets
Bouncers
Swings
Door jumpers
Infant positioner
baby gear
feeding & nursing
Warmers & sterilizers
Burping cloths (Qty: 6-12)
Cloth diapers (Qty: 6-12)
Lap pads (Qty: 6)
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
breastfeeding
Breastpump
Breast pads, shields & cream
Breast milk storage
Containers or bags
Nursing pillow & stool
Nursing wrap/cover
bottle-feeding
Bottles for formula (Qty: 6-8)
Bottle nipples
Bottle drying rack
Bottle brush
Dishwasher caddy
Insulated tote
solid feeding
Feeding sets
Training cups
Infant spoons (for home)
Baby food processors & accessories
high chairs
High chairs
High chair cover
Splat mat
High chair toys
Extra high chair pad
booster seats
Booster seats
Splat mat
feeding accessories
Feeding accessories
infant care
bath & potty
Bathtub & seat
Washcloths (Qty: 8-12)
Hooded bath towels (Qty: 4-6)
Bath robe
Gentle shampoo & body wash
Baby lotion
Bath accessories
Bath toys
Step stool
Travel folding potty set
Stand alone potty seat
Toilet training seat (ring)
baby care & grooming
Nail clippers
Brushes & comb
Digital thermometer
Ear thermometer
Grooming kit
First aid kit
Humidifier/vaporizer
Baby mittens
Lotion
Baby oil
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Gas relief drops
Teethers
Pacifiers
Pain relief products
diapers & formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper pail refills
Wipe warmer
Diaper pail
Formula*
Diaper bags
Baby changing mat
Diaper ointment
Travel wipes
safety
Audio monitor
Video monitor
Cabinet/drawer latches
Safety gates
Outlet covers
Corner guards
Edge guards
Smoke & carbon monoxide alarm
infant care (continued)
nursery
cradles/bassinets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib
Bedding sets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib sheets (Qty: 2-3)
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib toys
nursery furniture
Crib**
Crib toys
Changing table
Armoire/chifforobe**
Dresser/chest**
Drawer linens
Hutch**
Glider or upholstered rocker**
Ottoman**
Blanket chest
mattresses
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pads (Qty: 3)
Vinyl mattress cover
Cradle, bassinet or
portable crib mattress
bedding
Crib bedding set
Fitted crib sheets (Qty: 4-6)
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Receiving blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Waterproof pads (Qty: 4-6)
Sheet savers (Qty: 4-6)
Changing table covers (Qty: 2-4)
Changing table pads 6 Sleep positioner
room décor
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib mobile
Lamp
Wall border
Window treatments
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Waste basket
nursery storage
Storage solutions
Organizers
Shelves
Baskets/storage bins (Qty: 2-4)layette
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
Burp cloths
Washcloths (Qty: 12)
Towels (Qty: 4)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Layette sets
bedding
Bedding sets
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Sheets (Qty: 4-6)
bath & healthcare
Wipes
Lotion
Massage lotion
Shampoo
Diaper cream
Stretch mark fading cream
Just for mom gift sets
Homecoming quilt
Matching sets
Cap & bootie sets (Qty: 2-4)
T-Shirts (Qty: 4-6)
Cotton overalls (Qty: 3-6)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Socks (Qty: 9-12)
Wearable blankets (Qty: 2)
Clothing hangers (Qty: 12-24)
Snow suit or bunting
Sweaters**
One-Pc. coveralls (Qty: 4-6)
Outfits (Qty: 4-6)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
clothing and layette
infant toys
Rattles
Teethers
Soft toys
Toys 0-12 months
Toys 12-24 months-
ANSWER:
HOLY CRAP! 90% of this is ridiculous. Things you’ll actually need:Infant car seat
Car seat base for 2nd car
A stroller (you pick what kind you want, but you don’t need four different styles!)
Some toys – you’ll get a ton of these as gifts, too.
Clothes – you’ll get two tons of these.
Breast pump if applicable; bottles and nipples if applicable. Unless you have a preemie, sterilizing isn’t necessary.
Basic medical stuff – bulb syringe, nail clippers, thermometer, and some Tylenol.
Some burp cloths, or just use towels.
A few blankets.
Diapers.The rest, you can do without or pick up in 2-3 years when you actually need it!
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