Babyproofing

This last week a classy, adorable first-time expectant mother asked me about babyproofing. With a traditional style and home that she loves, she was concerned with having to get rid off all things beautiful when she and her husband had over a family with rambunctious children and parents who growled about proofing every little thing.

Of course every home (and every child) is different, and every parent find their own way, but here is what I've always told moms:

1. The non-negotiable of babyproofing is the focus on safety. Keep out of baby's reach anything potentially dangerous: chemicals, sharp objects, plastic, markers, etc. This is pretty intuitive. If in doubt, move it out of the way.

2. The top three ways you can babyproof without much invasion is to cover outlets with clear protectors, guard sharp corners of coffee tables etc (though I also say that sometimes simple furniture rearranging can help the safe flow for toddlers), and baby gates for those who have stairs. We have used both the high-end chrome designs that mount into the wall and the cheap plastic temporary ones that we can place in the nearby closet when company comes. Some people love cabinet latches but I don't want to rely on them to keep my child out of danger, and I believe that a child should be able to explore their natural surroundings.

3. Beyond the basics, the babyproofing becomes quite personal. And personalized for every child. My (now 5) son Will never ate anything or marked on walls. My 2-year-old daughter Jane, however: well. We've already repainted walls and I won't tell you the worst things she's gotten into her mouth (in public, in defense of my house babyproofing). I believe that a child should be able to live real life in a real environment, and learn and explore what's around them. We keep our library out with books lining many surfaces, plants low, cooking equipment and my vintage Mastering the Art of French Cooking on the Seville chrome kitchen shelving, the piano open for playing, the mandolin out. These are interspersed with a toy babygrand piano, clear IKEA tupperware of blocks, trains, an art center, a high chair, and childhood flotsam. You may have to edit and revise, but you can create a dwelling that melds functionality and safety with beauty.

Splendid Willow

I love how this living room is simultaneously stylish and child-friendly. The elegance and visual interest is added by the upholstery and textiles, the art, and the unusual lighting, keeping the room clutter free. It also utilizes a variety of storage options to keep much-used items and toys on hand (like that Vogue magazine in the drawer you're working your way through when the babies get engrossed in blocks).

All Things Artsy

Even a modest space can work with children and adults alike. A repainted vintage school teacher desk can get a new life--and give new life to your background time while children play at your feet. Books can be stacked or lined along the walls out of reach, and desk items can be placed in drawers to make room for a coloring counter.

bestgreenhometips

This space is a great example of a room that is free of baby hazards but retains style and grown-up flair. When you have hardwood floors and need to soften them for little tooshies, think of also using the rug to add visual interest to the space.

apartmenttherapy

I adore this space (that floor, that floor), which uses the built-in shelves for holding the books and details, and keeps the rest of the room simple and minimalist.

houzz

Bookshelves lining the walls like this keep clutter in check, ground the room visually, and keep everything visually and physically available for easy grabbing and using. Mix grown-up things like a stack of vintage platters on a top shelf with baby things like a bin filled with pretend cooking supplies for eclectic living.