Beyond Basic Babyproofing: 3 Things You Shouldn’t Overlook

Many parents will tell you the best way to babyproof your home is to see it the way your baby does: on your hands and knees. At this level, what could catch your curious baby’s eye? If you try it, all of the sudden computer wires, electrical outlets and dangling window cords will come into view. While these household hazards and many others — like stairs, sharp objects and cleaning supplies — often make the babyproofing checklist, others don’t. Here are three often forgotten dangers that you shouldn’t overlook.

Radon Levels

Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. Overall, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for about 21,000 deaths per year. And the scariest fact of all? It’s found in one out of every 15 American homes.

So what is it? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which then breaks down to form radon, according to the EPA. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts which are inhaled and can cause lung cancer.

The good thing is, though, it’s easy to test your home for radon. Radon testing kits can be purchased at home improvement stores or you can contact your state radon department for information; many states offer free or discounted kits to the public. Additionally, some hospitals provide maternity patients with a coupon for a free radon test after the baby is born. Consider talking to your doctor to see if that’ll be the case at your planned birthing center.

Furniture Tip-Overs

Every child is different, but you might be surprised at how quickly your tiny baby turns mobile. Once he or she can sit up, everything else happens — FAST. One day he’ll be sitting up on his own and soon he’ll be reaching for toys. Then he’ll start army crawling and next you’ll turn around to find him crawling on or up the furniture. It’s the domino effect, and it’s better to prepare for it now.

Every 24 minutes tipped furniture or a falling TV sends an injured child to the emergency room, AnchorIt.gov reports. Look around your house at bookshelves, TV stands and dressers. Your curious kid will eventually see these as objects to investigate. To prevent them from being unpredictable and dangerous, consider buying furniture anchors and mounting those objects to the wall. A variety of furniture restraints that can be tethered to a wall stud are available at most home improvement and department stores.

Honest Mistakes

No matter how extensive your babyproofing methods are, kids will be kids and find a way to get into trouble. Whether it’s hoisting herself out of her crib or learning how to maneuver past the baby gate, your baby or toddler will likely show you the holes in your babyproofing at least once or twice. In many instances, you’ll just find her tossing toys in the toilet (note to self: buy a toilet seat lid lock) or rummaging through your closet. Other times, though, you could find your child in much more dangerous situations — even when you are home. For these cases, one of the best ways to babyproof is to invest in a Wi-Fi-enabled security camera. That way you can access the video feed on your phone, giving you peace of mind while you’re down the hall or away from home.