What safety measures should I take at home for a crawling baby?

The crawling phase is genuinely both exciting and raises alarm for parents. With a mobile baby, you need to see your home through their eyes.

Here are the main safety measures:

• Outlets: Install plastic protective covers on unused outlets. Look for ones with rotating or sliding lock mechanisms—these are safer than simple caps.
• Corners: Place silicone corner guards on sharp furniture edges (coffee tables, consoles, fireplace surrounds). Especially eye-level corners can cause serious injuries in a fall.
• Cabinets and drawers: Install child locks on kitchen, bathroom, and lower cabinets. Cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp tools must be stored in locked upper cabinets.
• Stairs: If you have stairs, install safety gates at both top and bottom that lock from both sides.
• Tipping hazards: Secure large furniture (TVs, bookcases, dressers) to the wall with L-brackets. Pulling on a drawer and having furniture tip over is one of the most common serious home injuries.
• Windows and balconies: Use window locks with adjustable stops (so baby can't fit their head through). Keep the balcony door locked and remove chairs or climbing objects near it.
• Small objects and cords: Bundle loose cables or use cord channels. Regularly sweep for dropped coins, beads, batteries, paper clips—small items are choking hazards.

Review everything from floor to eye level that your baby can reach. Remember: a few seconds of silence can be a warning sign—so it's best to handle all safety measures at once and give yourself peace of mind.