Mary is a grandmother of 2 gorgeous boys, ages 6 and 3. She lives in Pennsylvania. Her boys live in North Carolina. Visits are a big deal, far apart and she tries to make the most of each one.
So here you are: a new grandparent and the grandkids are coming to visit. And you are absolutely confident that you know everything about raising kids since you raised your own and, well, they turned out okay!
Likely it's been a few decades since your babies were babies. In the intervening years, you may have forgotten what it's like to have a toddler around. Babies that are just beginning to walk present a huge challenge when it comes to "baby-proofing" your house. Stairs or steps present the most worrisome of hazards. Babies tend to step into space when first learning to go down stairs. So it's important to either block the steps with a gate or teach the baby to go down on his belly or tushie. Note that the gates must be at the top and the bottom of the steps.
A one-year-old baby has absolutely no idea of the danger that surrounds her every step. She is just delighted in her new found mobility and all the cool new things she's found to get into. The joy on this baby's face is amazing.
Cabinets, especially the one under your sink where there are probably dangerous chemicals lurking,present another hazard. Child-proof door locks will solve this problem. You might want to give the baby access to at least one cabinet where she can take out pots and pans to play with.
Next you have to look at your furniture. Are there sharp corners where Baby can hit his head? There are foam pads sold that you can attach to the corners.
A one-year-old baby has absolutely no idea of the danger that surrounds her every step. She is just delighted in her new found mobility and all the cool new things she's found to get into. The joy on this baby's face is amazing.
Cabinets, especially the one under your sink where there are probably dangerous chemicals lurking,present another hazard. Child-proof door locks will solve this problem. You might want to give the baby access to at least one cabinet where she can take out pots and pans to play with.
Next you have to look at your furniture. Are there sharp corners where Baby can hit his head? There are foam pads sold that you can attach to the corners.
Or does your fireplace have a hard hearth around it? We always put a thick blanket on our ours. And make sure that bookcases are securely fastened to the wall.
If you have a Christmas tree, you'll want to make sure that Baby doesn't pull at ornaments or tinsel and either pull the tree over or eat the tinsel. You'll also want to cover all electric outlets with a plug. Don't I sound like a nervous Nellie!
The best Baby-Proofing Technique I know is vigilance. But, hey, what could be more fun than watching your grandchild explore the world around him? The most valuable thing you can do for your grand children when they visit is to just enjoy watching all the marvelous changes that have taken place in their lives. They literally grow before your eyes if you know what to look for. By concentrating on the baby, you won't miss a thing and that's the best gift I can think of.
Please comment below. I love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Mary
