#1) Move it. The number one trick that we were told was “move everything UP”. Anything you don’t want your child getting into, should be placed out of their reach. And we are learning that this “reach” seems to keep expanding week by week.

Example: we had to buy a new TV because our old one died (partly because he found the buttons on it — see tip #2). Before we placed the new TV on the entertainment center, I put an unused plastic box strong enough to support it underneath. It raised it an extra 7 inches, enough to keep the buttons, screen, and cords out of Mason’s hands.

#2) Lock it. If you can’t move it out of the way, make sure to lock it down. For chemicals, pesticides, medicine, use rule #1. But trying to move all your pots and pans, books, and files out of the way is sometimes impossible. Moving the toilet lid (yes, my wife’s cell phone took a bath in there before we learned our lesson), cabinets, and drawers might also be impossible. Walmart or any children’s store (Baby Emporium for example) has locks that slow down or stop a child from getting into those things. They run about $3-$15 each, depending on complexity.

Example: A toilet lid cover we purchased is actually rather cumbersome to use, and pricey ($12). But after a couple of months of using it (and our constant, “No’s”), our son has stopped investigating the toilet. We still use it, but have found that just closing the bathroom door while he’s awake, much easier.

#3) Cover it. When it comes to tables and furniture, they often have very sharp corners. After a bottle of formula, Mason bounces around like a drunken sailor, staggering about. Here’s where covering those corners will really pay off.

Example: We had a glass table, pretty, but my fears of an excited child going “BAAA!” and slamming something he found down into it, well, we purchased a nice wooden one. (We found off craigslist.org since most of the furniture stores in town seem to LOVE glass tables, and there are no Ikea’s in Hawaii yet…) Then, to make the edges softer, we bought some of those long flotation tubes, split them open, attached them to the sides. It looks pretty cheesy, but has definitely saved a bump or two on our son’s head as he was learning how to stand.

4) Hide it. There are things that you can simply hide; in the back of a closet, in a box in the back of a closet, in a sealed taped box in the back of a closet. They aren’t dangerous, just things you don’t want your child to see — out of sight, out of mind. Plastic outlet plug-ins are a cheap solution; clear ones “hide” the holes that little ones find so attractive to insert things…

Examples: Wires are really interesting for children. Hiding them behind equipment better, or buying a tube to conceal them, means they won’t be so tempted to pull them to see what happens.

We also hide his toys in the closet from time to time, rotating through them so he doesn’t get too bored with any one.

Additional Resources:

Check out “Mighty Mommy’s Podcast” for some tips on Baby proofing the kitchen.

Safety 1st: Sure Fit Toilet Lock | Safety 1st Magnetic Tot Lok Four-Lock Set | Oven Front Lock