Bringing a newborn baby home can be exciting and scary all at the same time. As that sweet little bundle of joy continues to grow, learn and explore, it is important to make sure they are protected by ‘baby and toddler proofing’ your home.

From the Baby Safety Zone, here are some simple tips to be ready when your child starts to become mobile.

• Prevent injury. Take care of all the obvious hazards such as exposed electrical sockets and blind cords. Cords can pose a strangulation hazard to children, whether they are connected to blinds, home gym equipment or baby monitors. It’s important to keep cords tied up and out of reach of children.

• Secondhand products should not be used for babies. However, if you do use them, make sure all parts are available, the product is fully functional, not broken and has not been recalled. Be sure to check the expiration date on car seats and baby carriers.

• Items or toys that are small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll present a choking hazard and should be removed out of reach. Also, ensure that electrical outlets have a cover and that cabinet doors have the appropriate latches. Cleaning products (including laundry and dishwasher pods) and medication should always be stored out of sight and out of reach in securely locked cabinets.

• Avoid hidden dangers. Small magnets can be easily swallowed by children. Once inside the body, they can attract each other and cause significant internal damage.

• Spare change floating around in pockets or purses may wind up on tables around the house, where curious children may be attracted to the shiny coins and ingest them.

• Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of injury to children and the best way to avoid them is to make sure all furniture and televisions are secured to the wall. Also, a cup of coffee or tea can quickly turn into a burn if hot drinks are left unattended or are placed near the edge of tables where little hands can grab them.

• Lastly, make sure you’re aware of a product you own has been recalled. The best ways to ensure your products are safe is to fill out your product registration card as well as check for recalls at www.recalls.gov.

What to purchase. Choose a stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping, even when your baby leans over the side. Use the basket underneath and don’t hang purses or shopping bags over the handles because it may cause the stroller to tip. Whether it is a baby carrier, sling or stroller, make sure it is constructed of durable, washable fabric with sturdy, adjustable straps.

Choose a swing with strong posts, legs and a wide stance to prevent tipping. When changing baby, always keep one hand on baby and use restraints.

The crib mattresses should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side.

Children tend to “grow overnight.” Remember to view their surroundings from their eye level, as you look for potential hazards. Child-proofing is an ongoing process so watch your child’s growth and development and be one step ahead.

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Carrie Kube is a Director for the Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board. All thoughts and opinions expressed are that of the author and not the Board and/or its community partners.