How To Baby Proof Each Room in Your House - The Newborn Photographer’s Guide

Updated March 2023

Mother and father hold their newborn baby in their bedroom for an in home newborn photography session

The amazing feeling of holding your new bundle of joy is incomparable. However, it can also be intimidating and nerve-wracking. As professional In-Home Newborn Photographers, we have seen many families who have effortlessly made their homes safe for their little ones. And today, we will show you exactly how if you are wondering "how can I make my home safer for a newborn?" With some simple tips and tricks from my expertise as a newborn photographer, you’ll be able to create the safest atmosphere possible in your home. Be prepared to say goodbye to worries and introduce the sweetest love into your lives –a beautiful baby!

The Ultimate Baby-Proofing House Checklist

Babyproofing your home is important in protecting your newborn from dangerous safety hazards. These necessary precautions ensure that all areas of your home environment are free from any risks and dangers that could cause harm to your little one. Here’s how you can do it:

Mother and father sit on a white couch and hold their newborn baby in their living room for an in home newborn photography session

Room by Room Guide to Baby-proofing

Tips for babyproofing the nursery

Place safety gates at the entrance of your baby’s nursery.
Secure heavy furniture to the wall with safety straps or special brackets.
Install window guards to prevent accidental falls.
Make sure any toys and furniture are age-appropriate.
Put electrical outlets out of reach.

Tips for babyproofing the bathroom

Install a child safety lock on the bathroom door.
Put non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower to help prevent slips and falls.
Put a gate around the toilet to keep small children away.
Install electrical outlet covers on all exposed outlets.
Store all medicines and cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet

Tips for babyproofing the kitchen

Keep cleaners, detergents, and other harsh chemicals well out of reach of your little one.
Ensure sharp objects like scissors and knives are stored securely away.
Secure heavy items like furniture and appliances with straps or brackets to prevent them from toppling over on your little one.
Use appliance locks and cabinet latches.

Tips for babyproofing the living room and other common areas

Cover all electrical outlets with child-proof covers.
Anchor furniture to the wall to prevent it from tipping over
Store small items and toys out of reach of children, such as on high shelves or in covered containers
Install a baby gate at the entrance of any room.

Mother and father hold their newborn baby in front of a black crib in the nursery for an in home newborn photography session

Common Hazards to Look Out For When Preparing Your Home for a Newborn

One of the most important responsibilities of all new parents is to ensure their home is safe for their child. Common hazards may not be immediately apparent but can present a great risk if left unchecked.

For example, cords from window coverings or even television sets can breathe as attractive toys for curious babies but can lead to strangulation. Baby gates can help corral little ones away from danger while placing locks on cabinets that contain household poisons or plastic bags is also essential.

But wait, there’s more; checking the furniture for any potential protrusions or sharp edges is also important in protecting against injury.

Checklist: Baby-Proofing Supplies That Every New Parent Should Have

Outlet Plugs: By covering up electrical outlets, you can prevent children from sticking objects or their fingers into them.
Cabinet Locks: Be sure to install the locks at a height that is out of reach for children.
Door Knob Covers: Install Door knob covers to prevent children from entering any room or area of the house that is off-limits.
Window Guards: This will prevent them from opening the windows any wider than four inches.
Corner Cushions: Place corner cushions on sharp edges to prevent injuries from falls.
Cupboard Latches: Install cupboard latches inside cabinets and drawers containing small objects, such as cut cutlery, to prevent access to children.
Furniture Straps or Anti-Tip Kits: Furniture straps or anti-tip kits can secure large furniture and appliances so they don’t topple over when a child pulls on them.
Non-Slip Rug Pads: Place non-slip rug pads beneath all rugs and mats to prevent slipping or tripping.

In an extensive collection, you can buy all these baby-proofing products from renowned labels like Infant House of Dallas, babybliss, Metro Realty Services.

Mother wearing white dress holds her newborn baby in bed in her bedroom for an at home newborn photography session

Additional Tips for Making Your Home Safe for a Newborn

Ensure all furniture is firmly secured and placed away from windows to prevent falls or climbing.
Cover sharp corners of furniture with protective paddings, such as foam bumpers.
Check that cords, blinds, and curtain ties are not accessible to babies in case they get tangled while playing around the house.
If you have pets in the home, supervise their interactions with the newborn at all times. Also, take precautions to ensure there is no risk of injury or illness to your baby through contact with them.
Keep pet food out of reach from babies as very young children can be tempted and may try to eat it. This could lead to choking hazards or ingesting harmful substances if not monitored correctly.
Regularly check toys for any loose parts that could become a choking hazard when detached from the toy. Hence, store away any small items out of reach from babies until they are old enough for them (i.e., 3 years).

Mother holds her newborn baby's finger in bed in their bedroom for an at home newborn photography session

Conclusion

With so much to think about when welcoming a new baby into your home, it’s important for new parents in Dallas to prioritize safety. By following the tips in this post, you are taking the necessary steps to ensure that your little bundle of joy is safe and surrounded by love every day.

Thankfully, with assistance from many resources and an experienced Dallas-based in-home newborn photographer, you can easily ensure that your home is prepared for anything that comes its way.