Written by Tarasha Chandra
Walking is a milestone which offers independence to the toddler. Along with it though comes a new set of challenges as well. Baby becomes stronger with age and explores areas, not in reach earlier in the crawling stage. It is important to have a safe environment for the baby when they start walking so that they can explore better. It is important for parents to understand the important baby proofing checklist for babies who are ready to walk and make changes accordingly.
Childproofing is a gradual process which happens as per the age and development of the baby. New challenges emerge with the growth of the baby so new safety layers must be there in the house. As the baby is ready to walk it is time for the parents to be watchful and see if there are any threats to the child, something that needs to be replaced, fixed, or disposed of etc.
In This Article
Baby proofing or childproofing is a generic term which refers to making the baby’s surroundings safe and secure. This is important for avoiding any potential threats when the baby starts crawling, walking and exploring unattended spaces or objects. In simple language, keeping the sharp objects out of reach, at high spots, and covering the edges of furniture so that while getting up or walking the baby does not get hit on his head or any other part, all form a part of babyproofing. Baby proofing ensures a safe and hassle-free environment keeping parents worry-free.
Each baby reaches the walking milestone at a different age. Some babies may take their first steps by their first birthday, while others may take up to 14th to 15th month to take their first steps.
Cruising is the precursor to baby walking where babies will hold furniture or take the help of anything supportive to slowly try and take their steps. Typically, most babies reach this milestone by their 9th or 10th month.
Babies need to be able to practice cruising and gather enough confidence to let go of the support and start taking independent steps. At 1 1/2 years, your toddler should be able to take steps without support. If this doesn’t happen, you may need to check with the pediatrician.
It is important to childproof the house to give a safe environment for the baby to explore. It even builds confidence in the baby and keeps them safe as with time they only increase their mobility.
Here is a room-wise break up of babyproofing your home so that your baby can walk safely.
The living room is an important place in the house. As the baby can reach all rooms it is better to babyproof it beforehand by following the tips below:
[Read : Fall Prevention in Babies]
The kitchen has many items that can prove dangerous for the baby, especially knives and the gas. Thus, childproofing should not be missed at this place. Below are the pointers that help
[Read : Baby Proof Your Kitchen: Ultimate Checklist]
A bathroom is a place where the baby takes a bath and gets curious about the different things kept, especially the bottles, soap etc. It is important to keep the following in mind while childproofing.
[Read : How To Keep Your Bathroom Safe For Your Child]
The room where your baby sleeps and spends time with you can get him curious for exploration. Given pointers help in childproofing the bedroom:
This area is not accessible to the baby when they are crawling but once they start learning to walk, no place stays untouched. The following are the places that need childproofing.
Thus, babyproofing or childproofing ensures the safety of growing kids which has to be done at different stages. Different precautions must be taken at different ages of your little one. If you have a baby at home, do make a list of precautions.
It is ok to let the baby fall when they are learning to walk. In fact, babies keep falling since they are not pros at balancing and coordination yet. As long as your home is babyproofed there is nothing to worry.
Babies fall more when they learn to walk due to a lack of balance and coordination which improves with time.
There is no count for the babies to fall while they learn to walk. It is a time-taking process and differs from one baby to another. As per research a two year old baby falls 40 times in a day due to less strength and balance.
She loves to dance, listen to music, cook, and read in her free time. She is transparent, intuitive, quick-witted, and loves to spend time with her near and dear ones. She believes in taking each day as it comes.Read more.
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