Safety is an essential consideration for when the baby arrives.
As soon as the baby starts rolling and crawling, the first thing you need to do is childproof your home.
Lock up all the medicines, cleaning products, make-up etc so that they do not come in the reach of the baby--So that the baby cannot reach them.
Listed below are some of the items that you would require to keep the baby safe from some of the most common hazards.
Safety gates Are a must if your house has stairs.
These gates will have to be installed at (both the top and bottom) and at the doors leading to the outside.
You can also use gates to block off other areas of your house that might prove risky to the baby.
Those hinged like a gate are the easiest to use and work well to prevent the baby from crossing the restricted area.
Plastic outlet protectors Although, one may tend to undermine or ignore these, exposed outlets are dangerous as they almost always form an irresistible attraction to little babies.
It would be wise to keep them covered so as to avoid any unnecessary hazards.
Cupboard and drawer latches Ensure that there is a security mechanism installed in all drawers and cupboards so that your little ones do not hurt themselves; the most common being a latch you have to push to get the door open.
Keep all knives, sharp instruments, cleaning supplies, and every other hazard you can imagine in your kitchen and bathroom under such protective conditions.
Toilet seat locks Studies have shown that babies can drown in as little as two inches of water.
To prevent any such untoward mishap, keep your baby and his toys out of the toilet with a toilet lock.
These latch on top of a closed seat, and require you to press a button to open them.
Baby bedding The cot and bedding has to conform to certain safety standards as already determined by law.
The cot should be deep enough to ensure safety for your baby, and the cot bars should be less than 45-65 mm apart so that the baby's head does not get caught between the bars.
Moreover, the paint should be lead free, and the mattress should fit snugly into the shape of the cot.
Make sure there are no sharp edges or holes that tiny fingers or toes could get caught on.
Check that the bedding does not include trailing ribbons or strings of material that the baby might put into his mouth causing choking or other such problem.
Sleeping position It is widely believed that babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.
Many babies can roll from their sides onto their tummies, so putting them on their sides should be avoided.
Newborn babies can't willingly manipulate themselves into or out of positions, so if they get entangled or uncomfortable they can't do anything about it.
The easiest way to ensure this doesn't happen is to put baby to sleep on his back with his feet touching the bottom of the crib and the bedding tucked only up to his chest.
Car seat An essential item in the baby requirements and one that needs to be strictly adhered to as far as safety standards go.
It should have adequate restraints, buckling and belt adjustments as well as tether straps.
Your baby will enjoy a more comfortable ride if you buy a well-padded seat with plenty of head and back support.
Just make sure he can move his arms freely and check out the view in front of him.
You should do everything to keep your baby safe and comfortable.
Ensure that in addition to the above mentioned basic safety precautions you also have a medical and emergency kit handy at all times.