As more parents find themselves workng from home, it has become evident that juggling work and childcare can be both challenging and potentially hazardous. To ease this transition and create a safer workspace, we’ve compiled our top seven tips for keeping your home office baby safe.
Tip 1: Barrier Open Workspaces:
In homes where separate workspaces are scarce, using a versatile 3-in-1 gate around your study table or work equipment can keep curious little hands at bay. This simple solution helps prevent potential accidents like laptops being knocked over, unsafe objects being placed in their mouths, or an unexpected Zoom call with your boss involving surprise guests.
Tip 2: Barrier Room Entries:
For those fortunate enough to have a dedicated workspace, child supervision can still be a concern. Installing a baby gate at the doorway of your study room or nook can serve two essential purposes. It creates a barrier to keep your little one in the room with you while you work, preventing unsupervised adventures elsewhere in the house. Alternatively, if someone else is supervising them, the gate can keep them out of your workspace, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks.
Tip 3: Bundle Up Cords:
Toddlers have an innate ability to find anything to grab and pull, including the abundance of laptop/PC and printer cords. These cords can pose a strangulation hazard for small children. Secure them by using cable ties or adhesive straps to bundle up and safely store them out of reach.
Tip 4: Drawer Locks on Study Table Drawers:
Office supplies like erasers, staples, and highlighters may not be appealing to adults, but to children, they can be tempting playthings. Avoid surprise artwork on important documents by adding drawer locks that make it challenging for little hands to access items that could be choking or poisoning hazards.
Tip 5: Anchor Heavy Furniture:
Bookcases, study tables, and filing cabinets serve functional purposes in the office but can become the ultimate climbing adventure for small children. Anchor these heavy furniture pieces to prevent tip-overs that could cause injury or worse.
Tip 6: Be Mindful of Your Coffee Break:
For many of us, tea and coffee are lifelines during the workday, but where you place that hot drink matters. Children under two years of age are at the highest risk of scalds from hot liquids. Ensure hot drinks are always out of their reach and away from accidental knocks by others, including adults.
Tip 7: Get a Professional In:
When it comes to ensuring the highest level of safety, nothing beats a professional assessment. First Steps Safe Steps provides a thorough safety check of your home, and all equipment is installed by qualified professionals, providing you with peace of mind and a secure workspace.
With these tips in mind, you can navigate the challenges of parenthood while working from home, creating a safe and productive environment for both your work and your little ones.
