Baby "proofing" your life

Have you ever seen how many baby/child proofing objects are on the market? Take a gander the next time you're in a store or look on the internet. I think most people would be surprised on what we can all "proof" in our homes. Products range from baby monitors, to outlet covers to even a "Gummi Crib Rail" which protects baby and the crib for when the little one starts teething.

Now most of these products are like toy recalls, they're virtually worthless as long as there are attentive people in the home. In my own experience I don't think I bought a single baby proofing thing, other than a baby gate and a toilet lock (which never did get installed). Don't get me wrong however, each child is different from the next and things might have to be bought for whatever that child needs to get into. Some kids like getting into cupboards and examining things, that might be when you want to consider a locking mechanism on your under the sink type stuff (of if possible, just put it in a high place). I know some kids that have loved outlets, so outlet covers are not a bad idea (we might have had some of these too).

But as I look through a list of baby proofing gear, I wonder are we proofing, or are we neglecting the common sense of watching a child with at least one eye? According to onestepahead.com "one of the best investments you can make is a choke tube tester. This inexpensive cylinder measures small toys to ensure baby can't choke on them." As a parent, are we not able to look at our children's toys and be able to say, "This could hurt, this is to small, this has to small of parts?" As an example, this website showed you this $3 cylinder with dice and hair clips in it, so now you know, these are too small.

If that's not enough to know that objects are to small you can get Corner and Edge Cushions for your tables and other edged objects. These cost anywhere from $8-$14. Now you're children will only get mildly bumped when they run into your table, counters etc. You can spend around twenty dollars in the bathroom to cover your faucet, drain and hot/cold knobs, and thirty more dollars to get an inflatable tub-time bumper, all so you're little one doesn't bump, fall or hit any part of their body ( and hey, you're tub now looks something like a disney movie!).

Believe it or not we just spent $100 in the above paragraph and we haven't even moved in on bedrooms garages (because so many kids get in the garage unattended), the stairs, your deck, doors around the house and so much more! With the rising costs of baby necessities, take the time to observe your child and know what "proofing" items you might need and those you can do without. Or if you are the type to buy it all... put your kid in a bubble.. it's easier. At some point you have to wonder... when do we start "proofing" our adults?

Take care and may we all be "proofed"!