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As your baby nears their six-month “birthday”, they will begin crawling, playing with toys, and eating solid foods. Reaching new milestones can be fun for both of you, but can also expose your baby to new dangers in the home. Here are some tips to keep your baby safe as they start to get on the move!

Baby crawling on floor with toys around

Baby Proof Your Home

  • View the world from their level. Crawl around on the floor where your baby will crawl. Looking from your baby’s level can help you find items that could be dangerous. Babies aren’t picky about what they put in their mouth — chipped paint, coins and even bugs! So, check every corner of the floor as well as tables and shelves that baby will soon be able to ‘pull up’ to.
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Child reaching for cabinet with safety latch installed
  • Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers. Keep electrical cords and cords on window blinds out of your baby’s reach.
  • Put child safety locks on cabinets that contain dangerous or breakable items. Some moms reserve a lower cabinet away from the stove just for baby. Fill it with baby-friendly kitchen “toys” like wooden spoons, plastic bowls and measuring cups.
  • Before buying or using any previously used toys, furniture, or equipment for your baby, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website www.cpsc.gov for any recalls.

Keep Your Baby from Choking

  • Keep small objects like hard candies, coins, small toys, and items that could break into pieces out of your baby’s reach.
  • When your baby begins to eat solid foods, make sure they are soft and cut into very small pieces. Give your baby small amounts of food at one time and make sure they always sit upright while eating.
  • Never leave your baby alone while they are eating. A choking baby may not be able to cry or cough, so you can’t rely on hearing them to let you know they are choking and need help.
Baby picking fruit pieces from bowl