Children's Health Newborns and Toddlers

Making Home Safe for Your Baby

Summary & Participants

Babies love to explore, but it's up to parents to keep their little explorers safe. Baby-proofing experts can show them how.

Medically Reviewed On: August 06, 2008

Webcast Transcript

Jennifer, Luke’s Mother: He can get into everything and anything at any given moment, even if I’m in the same room with him.

ANNOUNCER: Like most babies his age, Luke loves to explore.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: The cabinets underneath the counter are pretty much the most dangerous part of the kitchen.

ANNOUNCER: Professional childproofer Michael Kelley helps parents keep their little explorers safe.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: Everybody's got an idea of what should be done. I’ve seen balconies with open railings and couches pushed against them so the children couldn't get through. The couch becomes steps to get over the top of the railing; parent never thought of that.

ANNOUNCER: According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 3 million children end up in the emergency room each year due to accidents in the home, and over 50% of them are aged 4 and under.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: Just as they're learning to walk is about the most dangerous time. That’s when you see a lot of bumps and bruises and cuts from falls and things like that.

ANNOUNCER: Childproofing experts recommend parents start the process by getting a baby’s eye view of the home.

Jennifer, Luke’s Mother: There's just so many things that you don't think of and, certainly, just the eye level of the child, unless you're crawling on the floor with them, you just , you don't know how many things they can get their hands on.

ANNOUNCER: But while gates and locks can help prevent accidents, they don’t replace old-fashioned supervision.

Michael Kelley, Owner, Baby Safe: Supervision is the most important child safety product on the market. If you're watching them, you've cut down their chances of being hurt by 1000%.

ANNOUNCER: Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.