5 Stylish Ways to Babyproof Your Home
Don't sacrifice style for function. Steal these tips instead.
Design: Natalie Myers
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/ch-12--photo-id149506
The time has come. I’ve long been dreading the inevitable “babyproofing” that comes with the new-kid territory, not only because it’s one more thing to do, but also because I love to decorate, style, and entertain in my home. I can’t avoid it any longer: My little one is mobile, and the holiday season means my attention is more divided than usual. To avoid taking any chances, I’m making five safety upgrades disguised as stylish décor fixes.
1. Ditch the Coffee Table
Sharp corners at toddler eye level? No thanks. Instead, I’m swapping in a rounded, button-tufted ottoman. The foam fill makes it soft enough to cushion a wobbling baby’s forehead, yet still firm enough to double as a coffee table when topped with a tray
2. Swap out the Stemware
Let’s not pretend we’re getting through the entire holiday season (or motherhood for that matter) without a solid glass of vino, but the last thing anyone needs is shattered glass on the kitchen floor in the middle of a party. Play it safe. Choose acrylic.
3. Go Flameless
Confession: I was a total skeptic of faux candles until someone gifted me a set. Now I’m obsessed. I’m not sure how designers capture such an realistic look and feel, but I’ve had guests actually try to blow the candles out. That’s how lifelike they look. The perks are endless: cost savings, safety from fires and burns, endless ambiance, and you can quickly turn off all of them at once instead of walking around blowing out each individual candle.
4. Invest in Cordless Blinds
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers window cords to be one of the top hidden dangers for babies and toddlers in the home. Additionally, dangling cords can be a real eyesore. If it’s not practical to switch out every window covering in the house at once, start with the room your child spends the most playtime in.
5. Bolt Bookshelves to the Wall
Design: Natalie Myers
https://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Gallery/Castle-Heights-G24201?photo_id=149508
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about bookshelves that tip over, injuring small children. I’m not taking any chances. Instead of just traditional bookshelves, I’m getting creative by adding bookshelves that bolt to the wall and a variety of wall-mounted spice racks. That’s right; spice racks. They make it easy to display books while causing less wear and tear to the wall.
