Around eight months, most babies learn to crawl and parents think it is an almost magical moment, because the child finally begins to dominate the space and begins a new stage in its development. But we must not forget that children who begin to crawl need a clear and safe space. Do you know if your child crawls in a safe environment? Here we give you the keys to get it.
Depending on the muscle tone of the child and his crawling style, he can move more or less quickly at home, but the point is that they begin to explore on their own, taking a big step towards their autonomy. That "independence" must be developed in an environment with safety guarantees to avoid accidents and scares.
You have to look for an open and clear space as far as possible, without dangerous obstacles. This means that all those objects such as floor lamps (if they are light enough), vases, pots, shelves, hanging tablecloths ... must be removed from the reach of the child or secured. Any object or furniture that may fall when pushed by the child and break or crush it will be secured or eliminated. By the way, this measure may seem to be most practical and do not return many of these objects to your site in a long time.
Lock cabinet doors that are within reach and drawers, since not only could you throw them on top but take dangerous objects that are inside. Special care if the baby crawls in the kitchen, where the dangers multiply.
Keep the doors closed and the access to the stairs blocked, since at a time of carelessness the baby could move away reaching another unprotected room or fall. Do not leave your baby alone for a moment.
A very slippery and cold floor will make it difficult for the baby to crawl, so you have to put some carpet that does not move and also prevent falls and colds.
Protect all electrical outlets that are within reach of the baby, as they pose a danger. Also pay attention to the strips and the plugs that are being because the child could pull the cable.
It is not necessary for the baby to wear special shoes to crawl and the socks can make him slip (although these would be compatible with a carpet, when it is cold), so if it is possible, it is better that the baby is barefoot. We have already said that it is better that the surface is not cold and of course that the baby does not cool, so we have to keep the house at an adequate temperature that allows the child to explore.
The crawling child has to wear comfortable clothes, that leave freedom of movement, that perspire ... to facilitate their movements and not make them pass heat or slip.
Remove all small objects that the baby can take to his mouth, checking the floor frequently in case there is any left or a toy has been broken, or a coin, a button has been dropped ...
In relation to the previous point, although it is not necessary to sterilize the surface on which the baby moves, we must take care of its hygiene with some frequency, passing the vacuum cleaner, scrubbing ... and with special care if there are pets at home.
For corners, plugs, doors ... Don't think of home security devices, which can be dangerous and not fulfill its function well. Better to buy them in childcare stores and make sure they are approved.
The above points are specially designed for the home, but remember that in any other place, outside the home, there may be dangers, so it is better not to leave it crawling in new places that we have not reviewed thoroughly, or that do not meet the cleaning conditions necessary.
Definitely, a stimulating environment to favor baby crawling It must be based on facilitating the practical conditions for its first attempts, including among those conditions all safety measures so that the baby does not suffer damage or accidents. And you also have to encourage him to continue exploring! You, Have you adapted the house to the crawling of the baby?
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