In Honor of Baby Safety Month — Here is a Guide To Choosing the Safest Baby Crawling Barrier For Your Little One
Sep 17th 2018
Parenting becomes a whole new challenge once your baby begins crawling and exploring. From the excitement of their first steps to the many new adventures ahead, you’re sure to enjoy this fun time in your baby’s life.
With a mobile baby in your future, it’s important to know a few babyproofing basics when it comes to crawling and walking. Your days may change drastically, but with the right baby crawling barrier for your child and home, you can rest assured that your youngster will explore safely.
Whether you have a newly crawling little one or a future Olympic sprinter — you can prepare yourself and your home for the adventures ahead with our guide to picking the best baby crawling barrier.
When to Use a Baby Play Yard
Anxiously preparing for the start of your baby’s first steps toward independent mobility? Babies usually begin to crawl and sit up on their own around 6-10 months of age. So it’s important to consider baby proofing your home a little before they hit that milestone. Consider a baby play yard for peace of mind during a busy day at home.
1. Crawling Babies
A baby play yard is great for when your baby is learning to crawl and sit up on their own. It is good to start babies off in a safe, secure space since they are so low to the ground.
A baby play yard can provide ample space for a baby to explore in a secure environment. They are also great for when your baby starts to cruise a little faster than you’re expecting and you need extra security.
2. A Busy Day at Home
Have a lot of chores to do around the house, or have guests coming over? Supervising your baby or toddler at all times is impossible — occasionally you’re going to need a minute for yourself.
Let your little one learn how to entertain themselves and grow on their own in the safety of a baby play yard. Finish up chores, work, or simply enjoy your breakfast with intermittent check-ins on your baby.
When to Use a Baby Gate
By this point you may have already nailed down the baby proofing basics for doors, windows, and cupboards, but knowing when to put up baby gates for a baby or toddler on the move is a pivotal step in the process.
Once your baby is around 7-12 months old, they’ll start to experiment with walking. Every baby is different. Some skip crawling all together and go right into walking while others take their time — so it’s important to be prepared with the right baby gates for your home.
1. Walking Babies
Expect your toddler to be active and mobile. They want to roam around, explore, and maybe even just follow you around the house. Use a baby gate to keep your little one safe from dangerous appliances or equipment.
Gates are commonly used to keep babies away from kitchens, laundry rooms, stairs, and offices.
Make sure to find a gate that is built for a secure fit between stairs and hallways, as well as additional extra-wide gates to fit the unique entrances in your home!
North States carries gate extensions, extra-wide gates, and top-of-stairs gates secure enough to provide the peace of mind you need. Browse our selection if your baby is inching toward their exciting first steps!
2. Protect Against Dangerous Areas
A durable gate is a great baby crawling barrier to use in the more hazardous or precarious spaces of your home, for example:
- Fireplaces
- Open or closed Windows
- Workout Equipment
- “Work-in-progress” projects around your home
Outdoor Play for Babies & Toddlers
Outdoor playtime for babies and toddlers is a fun way to watch them grow and learn in a new environment. However, there are a few potential hazards parents have to keep an eye on like busy streets, neighborhood pets, pools and more. Keeping your baby safe in the outdoors will ultimately depend on your specific home, yard, and neighborhood.
Having a durable baby gate, play yard, or both is a great way to give yourself extra peace of mind while you enjoy a beautiful day outside with your little one.
Baby Gates for Secure Backyards
If your yard and/or pool already has a stable fence around it, a baby gate may be a simple solution to your backyard fun.
Baby gates can be used to block off:
- Fenced-in pool entrances
- Doors leading back into your home
- Hazards inside a garage or shed
Baby Play Yards for Additional Security
A play yard is a more fitting solution for outdoor exploring in an area where you may need additional baby crawling barriers for peace of mind or when you’re more preoccupied.
Baby play yards are great for:
- Yards with a pool that doesn't have a fence around it
- Waterfront lots
- Playing in the front yard or near a street
- At a neighbor’s house
- During a sibling’s sports event
- Backyard BBQs and parties
As your baby starts to get more and more active, knowing the baby proofing basics and getting your home prepared will be important. Read up on the 7 Essential Tips for Baby Proofing Your House for safe play with your growing toddler!