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Super Hero Tips on Home Safety

June 15, 2014 by Rosie Leave a Comment

Is your little one on the verge of crawling and exploring into places at home that they shouldn’t? Are you starting to wish that you had superhuman powers, to protect them from harm and be in every room at once? It’s time to become a Home Safety Super-Parent!

super-hero

M-crawlingSafety proofing your home for an increasingly active baby is a must, but something that new parents often dread. “I don’t know where to start!” “There’s so many gadgets that we need!” It can be overwhelming knowing how to start safety proofing your home for baby, but luckily you do not have to wrap your whole home in bubble wrap (phew!) In a few simple steps you can easily make your home safe for your mobile baby and feel like a Super-Parent! (Well, at least until you leave the house anyway!)

Read on to find out more!

Super Vigilance – First of all, remember however much you safety proof your home, the most important thing is to be super vigilant of your baby’s movements. Baby should not be left on their own in a room, unless they are safely in a crib or play yard – and even then only for a few minutes (unless they are asleep of course). No safety gadget is a substitute for the watchful eye of an adult. Careful scrutiny will also enable you to notice any potential dangers around the home. It will also give you the opportunity to start saying “No” to baby when she is about to stray into dangerous territory – and to offer her a safe alternative, like a toy, instead. (Note – this will need to be done repeatedly!)

Safe Zones – Although vigilance is key, even a careful parent can’t be everywhere at once, with their eyes on baby every single second! Give yourself the super power of duplicity by creating ‘safe zones’ within the home. These might be baby’s room and the lounge for example. Make sure your safe zones are fully safety proofed from top to bottom with gates, cupboard locks, window stops, electric outlet covers – whatever is necessary. Apply corner and edge bumpers to any sharp areas of furniture, to avoid any nasty knocks. Ever wish you possessed Superman’s super senses? Install a video monitor in baby’s room, so you can keep an eye and an ear on her when she is sleeping, or playing in her crib. When baby is in a safe zone you will still need to stay close by, but you can feel reassured she is safe and pop out for a second if needed. Most importantly, baby has freedom to roam!

Playing-in-the-cupboardLock dangerous items away – Prevent injuries and poisonings by creating a protective armor any superhero would be proud of – keep dangerous items like knives, cleaning items and medicines locked away in cupboards, or on shelves high out of reach. Also put a lock on the toilet if this is accessible to baby – as the toilet poses a drowning risk. We love this locking system to safety proof our cupboards, as the cupboard stays fully locked – unlike latches that can trap little fingers. Make sure your locking system is easy for an adult to use, but difficult for a child to disable! You may want to keep whole rooms off limits if they present too many dangers – the kitchen and the bathroom, for example. Do this by installing a lock on the outside of the room, or by using a door handle cover that only an adult can use. Ensure that the door can be opened quickly in case of an emergency. You might like to keep an unlocked ‘safe cupboard’ available for baby to explore. This should be low level and only contain items that are safe for baby – a sieve, some plastic bowls, cereal boxes – you get the idea!

Secure furniture –Unstable furniture can tip over on baby when they try to climb or pull up on it, causing potential injuries or death. Create the super hero power of anti-gravity by securing any heavy or unstable furniture, such as bookcases, tv, drawer units, by anchoring to the floor, or attaching to the wall.

Cover electrical outlets – Wield the power of camouflage by keeping electrical outlets covered and hidden from baby’s prying fingers. Ensure that the covers can’t be easily removed and do not present a choking hazard. You can either use covers that plug into the sockets(especially good for outlets not in use) or those with a plate or box over the entire outlet(especially good for outlets in use). Keep electrical cords out of reach.

KidcogateSafety Gates – Create a force field around your safe zones with safety gates. Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs as necessary and to block off any rooms or areas where you do not want baby to stray. Go for hardware mounted gates near stairways or anywhere that there is a risk of falling. Although they take a little effort to install, they are much safer than pressure mounted gates. Pressure mounted gates are fine for blocking off rooms, but check they have a bar across the top to stop little fingers becoming trapped.

Window guards and coverings – Make an invisible safety shield over your windows! Use window guards or stops as necessary – limiting window openings to 4 inches or less. Ensure the guards are effective, but can also be removed quickly in case of fire. If you have double hung windows (like we do!) open windows from the top, or use window stops to prevent the windows from opening too wide. We love these window stops, as they are easy to install, effective and can be removed quickly in an emergency. For windows that need extra protection, use a window guard that covers the lower half of the window. We use this window guard in Little M’s room, as his room his small and the window is low – works brilliantly and blends into the room too! Use cordless blinds and window coverings, in order to prevent the risk of strangulation. Small children’s necks can easily become entangled in cords – even if you think they are hidden. If you already have blinds with cords – simply remove the cords!

Whale-bath-coverIn the bath– Give yourself super heat sensors by setting your water heater to 120°F (48°C) to prevent scalding. Keep baby out of reach of the faucet and cover it with a soft cover. Place a non-skid mat inside the tub, to stop baby slipping. NEVER leave baby alone in the tub, as babies can drown in as little as an inch of water.

Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors– Smoke alarms are essential safety devices to protect against deaths and injuries from fires. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Also add carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. Check smoke alarms once a month to make sure they’re working and change batteries in all alarms at least once a year. Consider installing a simple and affordable home security system, like this one from dropcam – with cameras in areas of the home that you want to keep an extra eye on. Now you really can have super senses!

Emergency information – Make sure you’ll have the durability of a superhero in the case of an emergency. Keep a list of key telephone numbers handy – these should include the following for your area: poison control, emergency medical services, hospital emergency room, fire department, police department, your child’s doctor, work numbers and friends/relatives to call in case of an emergency. Keep the list near the telephone and ensure it is clear to read. You could also save the numbers into your phone. Consider taking a First Aid/CPR course, so you’ll know what to do in an emergency.

Now that your home is super safe you can relax (sort of!) knowing that baby is safe to roam and explore their surroundings– just what all babies should be doing! Zoom! Pow! Just make sure to keep your eyes open for any new dangers that may present themselves though. As baby grows, new risks may arise. A Home Safety Super-Parent’s work is never (quite) done!

Any other tips on home safety to offer? How did you become a Home Safety Super-Parent?

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, however all opinions are entirely my own. 

[plinker]

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Hi, I’m Rosie!

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Cute and easy heart stencil cards for kids. ❤️

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Feeling a little guilty as my 4 year old has been watching Dinosaur Train for half the day today. Then I asked her what a hypothesis is and she said “an idea you can test” so now I feel better 😆
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Question for #supplyteachers Have you been furloughed? I was last time, but have heard nothing from my agency this time so far. Wondering what your experience is?

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Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Do you feel like showering a little love this Febr Do you feel like showering a little love this February? 🥰
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I think we need all the love and good vibes right now and I do love a creative project that doubles as a gift! 💝 
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We loved making these dancing heart stencil cards - simple to make and sweet Valentines for your children to hand out. 😍
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When I get 5 minutes I'll make a blog post 🙄😆but they are easy enough to make:
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-Draw a heart shape on a piece of card and cut out a stencil. 
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-Place stencil on folded white card, sponge red and white paint, let dry.
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-Decorate with a pen and goggly eyes.
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-Spread a little love!
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These would be a cute and easy activity over the half term/winter break. ❄️
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Do your children like to make Valentine cards? 💕
Do you feel like you're balancing all the things r Do you feel like you're balancing all the things right now?
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Life is throwing everything at us at the moment. If you feel like you’re about to topple and fall with the weight of it all, you are not alone. 

Working, parenting, home schooling. Trying to stay calm and look after ourselves as well as our families. Whatever your situation, I know you are juggling a lot.
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But you are strong, you are capable and you have got this. We have got this.
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Think of a memory that makes you feel calm and happy. Hold on to it until the time you can make it happen again. And in the meantime try to to seize the little moments of every day joy. 
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I think of the beach when I need a pick me up. How about you?
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
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You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
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Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
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This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
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Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
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Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
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Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
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I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
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One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
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If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
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Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
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I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
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I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
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But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
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So what action do I commit to do?
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•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
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•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
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•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
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If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
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