Babies bring joy to any home. Because babies spend most of their time eating and sleeping, new parents may neglect basic baby proofing necessities in the home. Look through your home from an infant’s perspective, and remove choking and suffocating hazards. A few moments of precautions enable you to provide a safe environment for your little bundle of joy.

The most peaceful sight in the world is your tiny baby, fast asleep in his or her crib. For sleep safety, always lay the baby on his or her back to sleep. Babies cannot roll over until they are three to six months, and they could suffocate if they are placed on their stomachs to sleep. Hang mobiles out of baby’s reach. Remove extra bedding or crib liners that pose suffocation risks. Bundle babies in snug clothing made from fire retardant material. Install a smoke detector on the ceiling near baby’s bedroom door.

In addition to sleeping, your baby will want to eat regular meals. Mix formula according to the package directions. Wash and sanitize bottles, pacifiers and toys after each use.

All the food a baby eats must come out. When changing diapers, exercise diligence. Remove baby powder, diaper cream and wipes from the baby’s reach. Apply small amounts of product to the baby’s sensitive diaper area to avoid poisoning or aggravating the child’s respiratory system. Keep a hand on the baby to prevent falls from the diaper changing area.

Babies need regular baths, and this time of personal contact can be fun and interactive. Closely supervise baby’s bath time, and assemble the soap, shampoo and towels before the bath. Test the water’s temperature before placing your baby into the tub. Babies can drown in even half an inch of water. Resist the urge to answer the phone or turn your back for even one second.

Before the baby lies on the floor to interact with toys, vacuum away any dirt. Remove houseplants from a baby’s reach. Store refrigerator magnets and small objects out of baby’s reach. Prevent suffocation by removing blankets, stuffed animals and other objects from the child’s reach. Supervise pets to prevent an eager or jealous pet from unwittingly harming your baby.

Trim the baby’s nails regularly. Long nails could cause damage to sensitive skin or eyes as baby learns to use his or her hands. Caregivers should also trim their nails and thoroughly wash their hands before handling the baby.

Babies love sucking on their fingers. Be sure to use safe cleaning products when you clean the surfaces your baby touches. Use products made from natural ingredients if possible. Avoid using bleach or other caustic and poisonous cleaners that could harm your baby.

Pacifiers always seem to disappear when baby needs one. Resist the urge to tie a string and clip to the pacifier. This convenient tool poses a choking hazard.

Wash the baby’s bedding and clothing in laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin. Rashes cause discomfort and irritations that make babies uncomfortable and miserable.

Medicines help babies feel better if they suffer from a fever or gas. Properly dose medicines, and consult the pediatrician before offering a baby medicinal products. Program your pediatrician’s telephone number into your speed dial or post it beside the phone for quick access.

Parents who baby proof their home create a peaceful and safe environment for their baby. Enjoy your baby during the fleeting baby stage while providing a nurturing environment in which your precious bundle thrives.