Chapter 10 – Safety at Home

In the first months of life, the baby spends most of the time within the home. Although there are many hours of sleep and rest, there are certainly also plenty of opportunities for interaction with mum and dad—during cuddles, feedings, care routines—and gradually, with the surrounding environment.

As the months pass, the child gains more and more degrees of freedom and skills and, suddenly, from one day to the next, becomes more mobile and unpredictable. That’s why mum and dad should always look ahead, anticipate possible changes in psychomotor development and adapt the home environment to prevent serious potential dangers.

Before the baby starts crawling or scooting, touching everything around and putting it in their mouth, it is necessary to install proper safety protections on all corners within their reach, block drawers and cabinets, cover electrical outlets with outlet covers, move power cords and any fragile objects, lift curtain hems and tablecloths that could be grabbed, and remove from reach any small objects that could be swallowed or inhaled. Pay attention also to houseplants: if they are poisonous, it’s best to keep them out of reach as the child might try to put them in their mouth.

Before the child begins to walk, it is necessary to anchor tall furniture to the wall, as it could tip over if the child tries to pull themselves up or even climb it. Install safety gates at staircases, prevent access to pools and water basins, remove chairs and any item the child could use to climb near windows or balconies, and apply non-slip tape under rugs. Also, keep out of reach all medications, alcohol, detergents, insecticides, and any other toxic substances, as well as matches and lighters. (8).

Supervision must always be careful and vigilant, but should not be overdone: through exploration, it is also important that the child gradually learns to recognize danger and avoid it independently.