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How to Handle a Curious Baby: Tips for Dealing With Adventurous Babies

May 15th 2018

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A baby boy crawling on the carpet at home

Curiosity is a natural trait in all humans, but it is especially present in babies. Everything is a new experience for them, so it’s hard to blame them for wanting to explore the world around them. But, with this new world comes potential dangers. How do you strike a balance between keeping your baby safe without stifling his or her natural curiosity?

If you’re wondering how to handle a wandering baby, you aren’t alone. Check out these tips for dealing with adventurous babies!

Keeping Babies Safe at Home

Your home should be a safe place for your baby. Follow these tips for safe exploring.

Babyproof the Home

It’s important to babyproof your home before your baby starts crawling. Use the following checklist to make sure everything is covered before your baby begins adventuring.

  • Install toilet locks on your toilets so your baby won’t pinch fingers, be exposed to anything unsanitary, and most importantly to avoid any drowning risk.
  • Use non slip mats in the bathroom so that when you inevitably have to chase a naked baby, you won’t have to worry about either of you slipping.
  • Keep cords out of your baby’s reach.
  • Be wary of sharp edges on coffee tables, counters, TV stands, and window ledges. Use bumpers to cushion these edges.
  • Keep houseplants out of reach so you don’t end up with dirt all over your baby (and your home).
  • Either mount your TV to the wall or place it behind closed doors.
  • Keep your fireplace shielded using a gate or screen.
  • Stairs, even areas with only a few steps, need to be blocked off with baby gates.
  • Introduce Pets Early
  • Before your baby arrived, there’s a good chance your pet was the “child” of the family, and your furry friend might not understand why it’s no longer the center of attention. Although there will be an inevitable adjustment period, with enough planning ahead of time, you can make sure your pet and baby will become best friends.
    • Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations before the baby comes into the house.
    • Consider obedience training for your dog if it has never gone through it before (even if it has, a refresher wouldn’t hurt!).
    • Start acclimating your pet to baby smells (lotion, powder, etc.).
    • Consider teaching your pet about boundaries around the nursery or blocking it from entering the space with a baby gate.

    As you interact with the baby, don’t ignore your pet. Pets will begin to act up if they aren’t getting the same amount of attention they used to get. Whenever you get the opportunity, include your pet in whatever you and your family are doing. Keep your pet on the same feeding and walking routine, and take the time to spend some one-on-one time with your pet. This will make both parties much happier in the long run.

    Kitchen Safety

    The kitchen can be one of the most dangerous places for a baby to explore. Keep your kitchen safe with these tips:

    • Make sure pots and pans on the stove have their handles facing away from you so your baby won’t accidentally pull them down.
    • Use stove covers to keep knobs from accidentally being twisted. This tip will not only keep your baby safe but also save you money on your utility bill!
    • If you keep your pet food in the kitchen, you might need to change things up. Either feed your pet and then remove the bowl, or move the food somewhere the baby isn’t allowed, such as the laundry room.
    • Many people keep cleaning products under their sink. Either invest in latches and locks, or move your cleaning products somewhere they cannot be reached.
    • Become more diligent with sweeping and mopping. You may not realize how many items get dropped on the floor, and these items can act as a choking hazard to babies.

    Keeping Babies Safe Outdoors

    The great outdoors is a wonderful place to explore and wander but can also be unpredictable. Use these tips to make sure your baby’s outdoor explorations are always safe.

    Evaluate the Area

    Before you pick out an area for you and your baby to hang out, check the scene. You want to make sure you’re picking an area that will provide a good amount of space while avoiding any potential dangers. Here is a list of things to look out for:

    • Are there any gopher (or other) holes? A pesky gopher hole can make an excited baby trip and fall, which may cause injuries.
    • Will any animals be in the area? You don’t want to be anywhere that poses the risk of a wild critter joining you.
    • What is the elevation like? You want to be on ground as level as possible so your baby can crawl or walk with ease.
    • Be careful of less-than-friendly plants; the average park is full of weeds, prickly plants, and even poison ivy. Before you set up, scout the area for potential dangers.

    Be Wary of Water

    Days at the beach or lake can be a great way for you and baby to relax and have some fun in the sun, but water poses an obvious danger. It’s okay for you and your baby to explore the water, but make sure you are doing it together and that your baby is constantly supervised.

    If you want a safe environment for your baby to play, a baby playard is your best friend. A playard gives you peace of mind while also giving your baby a safe area to explore and play. View our inventory to see some of our baby playards today!

    The old saying goes, “curiosity killed the cat,” but there is nothing wrong with curiosity in babies. If you are proactive, you don’t have to worry about the dangers of being adventurous. Interested in more baby advice? Check out our blog post about 10 Pieces of Outdated Parenting Advice today!

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