You can file this one under, "We don't mean to nag, but..."

Somehow, it's the real basic stuff that always seem to fall through the cracks. These home safety projects won’t take long to check off the list, but if something serious happens while your family is sleeping, they just may save your lives.

If you're an expecting dad, these jobs are the perfect way earn that “Dads Rule” t-shirt. And it should go without saying that no one pregnant is allowed on a ladder!) Don't feel bad that you haven't tackled these home safety projects yet, but it's time to get on it. Like, right now!

Baby Home Safety Checklist

  1. Install smoke alarms. On every floor…inside and outside bedrooms.If you already have them, check to make sure they work. Keep extra batteries around.
  2. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near your bedrooms.
  3. Store an easy-to-grab fire extinguisher on each floor.
  4. Make an escape plan in case of an emergency (like a fire) in case of an emergency (like a tornado, earthquake or fire.) Store extra food and water (…and diapers too!)
  5. If you live one or more stories above ground level, keep a rope ladder and a fire evacuation hood on hand.
  6. After you install your alarms and buy your extinguishers, give your insurance company a call. They will give you a healthy discount on your bill for taking all these precautions.

For more on baby sleep safety read Never, Ever Leave Your Baby on a Bed Alone and learn about SNOO Smart Sleeper. Not only does its special swaddle secure to the bed to keep babies in a safe sleeping position, but it responds – all night long – to help stretch your baby's sleep, so everyone is better rested.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.