13 Tips For Safety When A Baby Starts Crawling

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Congratulations, your little bundle of joy has officially entered the crawling stage! While this is an exciting milestone, it’s also time to ramp up your baby-proofing efforts.

Here are some safety tips to keep your little adventurer safe and sound when he/she starts crawling.

13 Tips On Creating A Safe Environment When A Baby Starts Crawling

1. Get down on all fours

To see the world from your baby’s perspective, get down on all fours and take a crawl around the house. This will help you identify potential hazards, such as cords, sharp edges, or small objects that your baby could choke on.

Plus, you’ll get a great workout in the process!

2. Cover those outlets

Babies are curious creatures and love sticking their fingers into anything and everything. To avoid any electrical accidents, be sure to cover all your outlets with safety plugs.

Bonus points if you can find ones that match your decor.

3. Lock up those cabinets

Your baby’s newfound mobility means they can now access all the goodies hiding in your cabinets. To prevent them from getting into cleaning products or other hazardous materials, install baby-proof locks on all your cabinets.

Don’t forget about the ones under the sink – those are prime real estate for curious little hands.

4. Secure your furniture

As your baby starts pulling themselves up onto furniture, it’s important to make sure everything is secure. Anchor bookshelves, dressers, and other tall furniture to the wall to prevent them from toppling over.

Not only will this keep your baby safe, but it will also save you from having to explain to your significant other why the new flat-screen TV is now in a million pieces on the floor.

*Rolling up rugs can help prevent slips and falls when baby starts crawling/ Image source: freepik*

5. Roll up your rugs

While your floor rug may look chic in your living room, it’s not the safest option for your newly mobile baby. Rolling up rugs or using non-slip pads underneath them can help prevent slips and falls.

Plus, it’s an excuse to get new flooring – win-win!

6. Watch out for pets

If you have pets, it’s important to keep an eye on their interactions with your baby. While a dog may be the most loyal companion, he may not realise that your baby is now a tiny human and not a chew toy.

Teach your pets to be gentle around your baby and supervise all interactions.

7. Block off stairs

Stairs are a major hazard for crawling babies. Invest in a sturdy baby gate to block off any stairs or areas of the house that you don’t want your baby to access.

Bonus tip: if you’re feeling nostalgic for your college days, you can use the gate to create a makeshift beer pong table.

8. Put away breakables

Your baby may not understand the concept of “fragile,” but they sure love throwing things. To prevent any broken vases or other breakables, put them out of reach or store them away until your baby is a little older.

It’s a great excuse to declutter and Marie Kondo your home.

9. Keep the bathroom door closed

While it may be tempting to let your baby splash around in the tub, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for little ones. Keep the bathroom door closed and install a toilet lock to prevent any accidents.

And while we’re on the subject of bathrooms, let’s just say that no amount of baby-proofing can prevent the horror of a toddler discovering the joys of toilet paper.

10. Keep a watchful eye

No matter how many safety precautions you take, accidents can still happen. Keep a watchful eye on your little one at all times and be prepared for any emergencies. And don’t worry – even if your baby does manage to get into a little mischief, it won’t be the end of the world.

After all, who hasn’t accidentally swallowed a marble or two in their lifetime?

11. Get a baby monitor

If you don’t already have one, invest in a good-quality baby monitor. This will allow you to keep an ear out for any noises or cries coming from your baby’s room, giving you peace of mind while you’re busy with other tasks around the house.

12. Practice safe sleep

As your baby becomes more mobile, it may start to roll around during sleep. Make sure their sleep environment is safe by removing any loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals from the crib.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep – this is the safest position for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

13. Stay organised

With a crawling baby, it’s easy for things to get messy and disorganised. Keep clutter to a minimum and make sure everything has a designated place. This will not only make it easier to baby-proof your home, but it will also make it easier to find things when you need them.

Last but not least, remember to have fun! The crawling stage is an exciting time for both you and your baby. Enjoy watching them explore their new surroundings and don’t be afraid to get down on the floor and crawl around with them. Just ensure you’ve had your coffee first – crawling around all day is exhausting!

Enjoy the ride – before you know it, your baby will be walking, talking, and getting into even more mischief!

You may want to check out these natural products to keep your baby safe: