Motherhood is a wild, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic journey. As a working mom, I’ve learned that the phrase “it takes a village” isn’t just a saying—it’s a survival strategy. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was baby-proofing my home. My son, full of boundless curiosity and determination, made it his mission to explore every corner of our house. From the moment he started crawling, I realized how unprepared I was.
If you’re a working mom trying to balance deadlines, laundry, and making sure your little one doesn’t turn your living room into an obstacle course, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through how I baby-proofed each room, share my struggles, and offer practical solutions to keep your home safe without losing your sanity.
The Living Room: A Toddler’s Playground
Our living room used to be my sanctuary. Then my son turned it into a danger zone. The coffee table became a climbing gym, the entertainment center a tempting adventure, and the electrical outlets? A fascination.
What Worked for Us:
- Edge Protectors: I quickly realized that sharp furniture corners are a toddler’s worst enemy. Foam edge guards were a lifesaver.
- Outlet Covers: I found easy-to-install sliding outlet covers that prevent tiny fingers from poking into dangerous places.
- Securing Furniture: Heavy bookshelves and the TV stand were anchored to the wall to prevent tipping.
- Toy Rotation: To keep him engaged and out of trouble, I set up a small play corner with his favorite toys, swapping them out every few weeks.
The Kitchen: A Place of Temptation
Kitchens are full of hazards, and my son was naturally drawn to every single one of them. Between the stove, cabinets, and the ever-fascinating dishwasher, I had my work cut out for me.
How I Baby-Proofed Our Kitchen:
- Cabinet Locks: I installed magnetic locks on all lower cabinets, except for one designated “safe” cabinet with plastic bowls and wooden spoons he could play with.
- Stove Knob Covers: These prevented little hands from accidentally turning on the burners.
- Trash Can with a Lid: I learned the hard way that an open trash can is an invitation for disaster. A locking lid saved me from endless messes.
- High Chair Safety: Making sure he was always buckled in while in his high chair became a strict rule.
The Bathroom: A Slippery Slope
Bath time was fun—until I realized just how many dangers lurked in our bathroom.
Safety Measures That Helped:
- Non-Slip Bath Mat: A must-have to prevent slipping during bath time.
- Toilet Lock: It sounds extreme, but toddlers are naturally curious, and I wanted to prevent any accidents.
- Medication and Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach: I moved everything hazardous to a high shelf with a lockable container.
- Soft Faucet Cover: To avoid bumps and bruises during bath time, I got a cute rubber faucet cover.
The Nursery: A Safe Haven
I wanted my son’s nursery to be a cozy and safe space.
Key Safety Adjustments:
- Crib Safety: I made sure his crib was clear of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Cordless Blinds: Window cords can be a strangulation hazard, so we switched to cordless blinds.
- Baby Monitor: A reliable monitor gave me peace of mind while I worked in another room.
- Outlet Covers and Furniture Anchors: Just like the living room, securing everything was a must.
Time Management: Juggling Work and Baby-Proofing
As a working mom, finding time to baby-proof was a challenge. Here’s how I made it work:
- One Room at a Time: Instead of overwhelming myself, I tackled one room per weekend.
- Online Shopping: I ordered baby-proofing essentials online during my lunch breaks to save time.
- Batch Installation: Once I had everything, my partner and I dedicated one evening to installing locks, covers, and anchors.
Overcoming Guilt: You’re Doing Enough
It’s easy to feel guilty as a working mom. I used to beat myself up for not having every room perfectly baby-proofed from day one. But the truth is, baby-proofing is an ongoing process. I reminded myself that I was doing my best, and that’s enough.
Self-Care: Don’t Forget Yourself
While keeping our babies safe is a priority, we can’t pour from an empty cup. I learned to:
- Take breaks, even if it’s just five minutes of deep breathing.
- Ask for help—whether it’s from my partner, family, or a babysitter.
- Celebrate small wins, like finally installing those pesky cabinet locks.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
The key to balancing work and motherhood is flexibility. Here’s what helped me:
- Set Boundaries: When I’m working, I focus on work. When I’m with my son, I put my phone down.
- Create a Schedule: A consistent routine helped both me and my baby feel more in control.
- Accept Imperfection: Some days, the house will be messy. That’s okay.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Amazing
Baby-proofing your home is just one of the many ways we keep our little ones safe, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Take it one step at a time, ask for help, and give yourself grace. At the end of the day, your child doesn’t need a perfectly baby-proofed home—they need a loving, present mother. And that’s exactly what you are.
You got this, Mom!
I’m Zara Michell
