Instead of holding baby while you cook, or while reaching for the upper shelves, put her in a play pen, or on a play mat on the floor near a wall, ideally in a corner. It’s a lot less trouble if baby has her own regular, out-of-the-way spot, where everyone in the house knows to expect her.
- Beware of holding baby while also handling a hot drink. If you must, be sure the drink is at most only warm, never steaming. Spilled hot tea or coffee could seriously burn your baby.
- Many children are poisoned by household chemical products. It is customary for us to keep cleaning supplies, etc. below the sink. But get into the habit of keeping these products on upper shelves, completely out of the reach of children.
- Look for products that come in child resistant packages.
- Don’t leave sharp objects unattended. Sharp dangers even include small things like plastic bread bag hooks and wire twist-ties, which should be kept in a safe place or put in the garbage so they don’t fall into the wrong hands.
- Don’t leave anything hot unattended. Make a habit of turning pot handles away from the edge of the stove, counter-top or table.