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Home Baby Proofing Basics
 Babies change a lot through the first months of life and soon become more mobile and able to get around your house. Even babies that just crawl can get into things that can injure baby or kill the baby. This is why it is so vital to baby proof your home even before the baby is born. Baby proofing can be overwhelming to new parents but it is something you will learn along the way.
What You'll Need
Take a look at your home from the baby's level to see which things he or she can get into. Remember that babies are very curious and put everything in their mouth. See what baby can reach and get into and purchase items to protect your baby from these hazards. Look for poisons, cords, sharp objects and small objects that baby can get into and cause a problem.
Accidents
One of the greatest causes of death in young children is suffocation due to items they have put into their mouths or suffocation due to objects like plastic bags. Drowning and fire hazards are other leading causes of injury and death in children. Just knowing your baby is able to get around should lead you to preventing any possible accidental causes of death or injury that are possible once baby is mobile. You need to be constantly vigilant as your baby grows and adjust your baby proofing activities accordingly.
Suffocation
Even small infants can roll around and get into a pillow, blanket or plastic bag that can suffocate him or her. While a pillow can keep a baby from falling off an adult bed, it can be a hazard in and of itself that you need to pay attention to. Babies should never be allowed on water beds either.
Items Baby Can Bump Into
Never put your crib near a window or by a piece of furniture that baby can pull down and away from the wall. Cords should always be put up away from the reach of the baby. Toys should always have short strings. Ribbons or long cords should never be placed in a crib and you shouldn't attach the baby's pacifier to his or her clothing or around the neck.
Living rooms can be dangerous. Hide all electrical sockets or use plastic plugs to prevent electrocution. Tape down all cords or put them up so the baby cannot reach them. You may wish to choose a baby gate to prevent the baby from getting into the living room by himself.
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