Baby safety products are essential items for new moms. There is nothing more overwhelming than realizing that this little guy or gal is totally dependent upon you to make them safe in this world. The responsibility is huge, but so is the reward! Here is what you need to enjoy your little bundle of joy and stress a little less.
1. Baby Monitor: You can not keep your eyes glued on your child, no matter how much you would like to. A monitor ensures that you can get needed tasks done or sleep well at night knowing you will hear your baby when they cry. When looking at monitors here are some helpful tips:
- Monitors with a frequency of 900MHZ or higher will provide less noise interference and better clarity.
- Choose a monitor that features a low battery light so you know when the batteries need to be changed.
- Think about the feature that will provide you with the most comfort and ease of use. For instance, many models offer belt clips for easier portability. Some models come with a sound activated light. These are nice for those times when you are vacuuming, blowing your hair, or otherwise engaged in high noise activities. There are also video monitors you can purchase which allow you to see what is going on.
2. Baby Play Pen/Play Yard: It will not be long before your baby starts crawling around. A play pen provides a safe place to play while you are busy doing other things. They are also great for portability and provide a travel crib/changing table and many even feature a top bassinet.
A baby play pen is one of the most versatile baby accessories, and considered a must have product for moms. When looking for a play pen, keep these things in mind:
Test the play pen for sturdiness and portability. You want a sturdy play area but also one that is easy to set up and take down.
Check to make sure the play pen top securely locks, that there are no tears in the mesh on the side, and that the mesh is securely tied to the top rail and the floor.
Look for ones that provide features meaningful to you. For instance, if you plan to take your baby to the park a play pen with a top canopy that shields him or her from the sun would be a good pick for you.
Finally, if buying new, make sure you fill out the warranty. This ensures you receive any information on product recalls.
3. Baby safety gates: Safety gates are used for babies starting at six months of age. They are crucial for houses with stairs, but also helpful to separate pets from your child or to keep your children out of certain locations in the house.
Here are some tips on using gates effectively:
Gates used at the top of stairs, either outside or inside, should always be hardware mounted. These are screwed into the wall to ensure optimum safety. The gate only swings one way, so make sure it swings away from the stairs, rather than over them.
Gates used at the bottom of stairs or between rooms can be pressure mounted.
