Childproofing Your New Florida Home

Are you preparing to welcome a new addition to the family? Congratulations!! If you are a first time parent, you may be thinking  about things you need to do to make sure your home is safe for your new bundle of joy. We’ve compiled some top tips to childproof your new Florida home.

See Your Home the Way Your Baby Will

How can you identify hazardous items that are in a baby’s reach? Get low and crawl on all fours! This technique allows you to see things from a baby’s point-of-view, and discover what they can potentially reach.

Look for key hazards such as:

• Glass, ceramics, or other breakable items within reach.
• Heavy items that could be pulled down, or tip over.
• Anything with small, detachable pieces that could pose a choking risk.
• Anything sharp, from corners of furniture to décor items and household goods.

This step should be taken in every room your child may be in, as babies are curious about the world around them. And, this crawl-through is worth repeating every few months as your child grows, since their reach and their curiosity expand right along with them.

Electrical Safety

Outlets throughout your home should have safety covers installed on anything that is not actively in use. Cords for lamps, chargers, and other electronics should be bundled and tucked out of reach.

Anchor Furniture and TVs

Tall furniture pieces such as bookcases, dressers, floor mirrors, and media consoles should be anchored to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. You may think “no way” but thousands of kiddos are treated every year for tip-over injuries – and fortunately, furniture anchor kits are inexpensive and widely available, and one of the simplest ways to prevent a tip-over injury as your little one starts to pull up and climb.

• Secure tall furniture to the wall using furniture safety straps or L-brackets. Even when your child is only an infant, anchor your furniture as soon as you bring it home is the easiest way to get in the habit of making your home safe.
• Safely place and anchor your TV. The TV is one of the more commonly tipped household items. Mounting your TV to the wall is the safest option. If it is on a TV stand or entertainment center, make sure the furniture is designed to hold an appliance of that weight and size, and both the furniture and TV should be anchored to the wall.
• Keep TVs and tall furniture clear of items such as remote controls and toys, which can encourage young kids to climb.

Stairways

If your home has stairs, safety gates at the top and bottom of every staircase become essential once your baby starts to move. Look for hardware-mounted gates for the top of the stairs, since pressure-mounted gates are better suited to doorways and lower-traffic areas where a fall would be less serious.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is likely one of the most-used spaces in your home, and it is also where your kiddo is most likely to end up while you cook, clean up, or pack lunches for the day ahead. A few adjustments go a long way toward keeping this room safe:

• Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers holding cleaning supplies, plastic bags, or anything sharp or breakable.
• Add stove knob covers so little hands cannot turn on a burner.
• Keep knife blocks and knife drawers secured, even if you think they are out of reach.

Living Areas

Your gathering room and living spaces are where your family will spend a lot of time together, which also means they are where bumps and spills are most likely to happen. Cushioned corner guards on coffee tables and other furniture with sharp edges help prevent injuries as your baby learns to walk and, inevitably, falls down along the way. 

Bathrooms

Bathrooms deserve extra attention, since they tend to hold some of the most hazardous items in your home.

• Move all liquids (yes, this includes shampoo), medications, and cleaning products to a high shelf or a cabinet with a locking latch.  
• A toilet lock keeps curious hands (and toys) out of the bowl.
• Unplug electrical devices like hair dryers and curling irons whenever they are not in use.
• Never, ever leave standing water in a tub or sink when your little one has access to the room.

Make bathtime safe and comfortable by investing in a tub thermometer, mild baby soap, and a non-slip bath mat. Prepare for bath time by having everything you need within reach - Never turn your back on baby in the tub, even for a minute.

The Nursery

Your baby’s room should not only be designed with soothing colors, functional furniture, and a touch of whimsy, but also with safety in mind:

• A large rug gives space for tummy time, and will cushion falls when learning to crawl and stand.
• Put finger-pinch guards on door hinges.
• Place night lights for your visibility, without disrupting baby’s sleep.
• Toys in the room should be free of choking hazards and should be kept in a toy box or storage bins where they can’t trip you up. 
• A baby monitor is a great investment. Look for one with two-way audio and night vision, and many now include smart alerts for movement or sound sent right to your phone, gives you an easy way to check in without stepping away from what you are doing.

Backyard and Outdoor Living Spaces

Florida living means spending plenty of time outdoors, and your covered lanai and backyard deserve the same thoughtful approach as the rest of your home. Store gardening chemicals and tools out of reach, check your landscaping for anything toxic to little ones, and keep the grill and any power equipment blocked off from play areas.

If your home site includes a pool, a code-compliant pool gate or fence with a self-latching lock is essential, and your community's HOA guidelines may include additional requirements worth reviewing before installation begins. Inflatable pools should always be drained and stored after supervised play.

Smart Home Tech

Smart home technology can double as a helpful safety and childproofing tool. Consider adding:

• A smart video doorbell so you can monitor who approaches your home without interrupting naptime.
• App-controlled smart plugs that let you cut power to outlets or small appliances from your phone.
• Water leak sensors in bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room to alert you of water issues.
• Smart locks that let you secure exterior doors with a tap, handy when your hands are full with a diaper bag and a baby carrier.

Your Quick Childproofing Checklist

Once you have worked through each room, a few final touches will round out your safety prep:

• Install safety gates anywhere you do not want your baby to explore.
• Keep floors and low surfaces clear of small items that could be a choking hazard.
• Store anything chemical well out of reach, in a locked or high cabinet.
• Remove rubber caps from doorstops, since they are a common choking hazard.
• Vacuum and sweep regularly to catch small items before your baby does.

Building a Home Ready for Your Growing Family

At Highland Homes, every home is designed with real life in mind, and that includes the version of your life that comes with a car seat by the door and a diaper bag on the counter. You will find layouts built for connection, storage that keeps clutter in check, and the flexibility to personalize a nursery that is exactly what you pictured. Modern building codes and materials help keep your family safe, and best of all, your home is ready to enjoy the day you move in without the need for costly and stressful renovations.

Ready to find your dream home in Florida? Explore Highland Homes' new home communities, shop available quick move-in homes in Florida, or call or email our Florida New Home Specialists today.