SHOP FOR THE RIGHT HIGH CHAIR

High-chair shopping might feel as daunting as getting your little one to sit still for a feeding, but choosing a chair you love is worth the effort. Just think about how many meals your munchkin will munch there — and how many hours you’ll spend in front of (and cleaning) that chair. To find a chair that sits right with you both, check out these high-chair shopping tips.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS WHEN I’M HIGH-CHAIR SHOPPING?

There are four different types of high chairs to choose from:

• Hook-on high chairs, which clip right onto the dinner table
• Kitchen-chair high chairs (also called booster seats), which attach to adult kitchen chairs
• Basic freestanding chairs, which come with very few bells and whistles
• Full-featured freestanding chairs, which can come with extras like toys, dishwasher-safe trays, and kits to convert the chair into a booster seat later on

You’ll also have a choice of materials:

• Wooden high chairs look great, and the latest models are every bit as functional as their plastic counterparts, thanks to easy-to-clean finishes and lightweight designs.
• Plastic or metal high chairs are extra light, fast to fold, and easy to move around the kitchen.

WHAT DO HIGH CHAIRS COST?

Prices range from about $20 for a hook-on high chair to about $400 for a top high chair with every extra imaginable. For around $70, you can get a nice-looking high chair with plenty of parent-friendly features.

WHAT SHOULD I ASK MYSELF BEFORE I GO HIGH-CHAIR SHOPPING?

Answer the following questions before you set out on your search:

• How much room do I have? If space is tight, a chair that’s easy to fold and stash or a seat that attaches to your table or chair might be the way to go.
• Do I want the high chair to match my kitchen decor? There’s nothing like a honking piece of plastic to un-sleek the look of those sleek granite countertops. Luckily, high-chair styles have come a long way, but if you can’t find one that looks pretty in your pad, choose a model that folds up easily so you can hide the thing after each feeding.
• Who will do most of the high-chair feeding? If you and your partner plan on sharing baby-feeding duties, an adjustable high chair is a must. This way, the seat can simply scoot up (when your husband’s putting the “train” in the “tunnel”) and down (when you’re the one coaxing your sweet pea to eat peas).

WHAT PARENT-FRIENDLY FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN HIGH-CHAIR SHOPPING?

Some of the top high chairs come fully equipped with extras that make feeding a breeze:

• Storage baskets underneath for holding books, toys, and other distractions to keep your baby busy while you get cooking
• Conversion kits so the high chair can grow as your baby does. Some top high chairs morph like magic (well, magic plus a screwdriver) into toddler booster seats. Helpful hint: Store the instructions in a designated drawer (along with the booklets for putting together the crib, stroller, and other baby gear).
• Dishwasher-safe trays make cleanup a breeze. Make sure yours has a spill-resistant rim (for obvious reasons).
• A reclining seat if your baby or toddler prefers to lean back while he dines
• Vinyl seat covers for easy cleaning. Some are even removable and machine-washable. If you go with a cloth seat cover, get one that’s stain-resistant.
• Adjustable height options, which let you tweak the chair to make it work best for you. Some require tools to adjust the seat height; others scooch up and down with a lever on the side.
• Wheels or gliders to protect floors from scratches (make sure the wheels lock so the chair stays put when your baby’s in it).

NUTRITION FOR PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

The preschool age of 1-6 years is a period of rapid growth and development. Toddlers (1-2yrs) have a short attention span and are easily distracted from eating. They have limited muscle coordination. Their eating behavior can be describes as messy. As the child enters 3-5 yrs old group, attention span is longer and muscle coordination is better.

Children like adults enjoy attention and are quick to realize that food can be a powerful weapon for gaining such attention

Dietary Pattern :

• Young children have a high taste sensitivity. They prefer mildly flavored foods. Excess use of green chillies and other strong flavored spices and condiments should be avoided.
• The feel of food is important to young children and they enjoy foods that can be picked up with fingers such as sandwiches, strips of cheese, cutlets, pizzas, spring rolls, chapatiwrap, poories or narrow wedges of fruit etc.
• The diet should include variety of foods. Frequent change is likely to furnish a well balanced diet.
• Small serving of disfavoured food appetisingly prepared and accompanied by a favorite dessert/dish will encourage the child to eat. Encouragement and praise go much further than nagging.
• Preschool children are almost constantly active. Their interest is readily diverted from food. If they become over tired or excessively hungry, their appetites may lag a great deal. Therefore a selection of variety of foods from the milk, meat, veg., fruit and cereal groups provides a sound basis for the child’s diet. Some snacks in mid morning and mid afternoon are also advisable.
• For the younger child foods such as nuts and navy beans which are difficult to chew should be omitted.
• Distraction by interesting conversation is much to be preferred to coaxing or games which center around the child.
• Excessive use of fried foods and very sweet foods should be avoided as these may cause irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract and the latter predispose to dental caries.
• Milk which is generally disliked in this age group can be incorporated into puddings, custards or sweet desserts, cheese, yoghurts, shakes.

How to Choose the Best Toddler Pillow for Your Child

As your kid continues to grow, there will come a time when your little one will need a pillow to remain comfortable throughout the night. Toddler pillows, also known as infant pillows were designed for the sole purpose of providing your baby with a comfortable nights sleep.

Why you shouldn’t give your toddler a regular pillow

If you have not heard of toddler pillows before then you may be wondering why a toddler can’t simply sleep on a regular pillow.

A regular pillow is designed to provide support to the adults head and neck. A toddler does not have the same proportions as an adult and resting on a regular pillow will place unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders. Continuous strain may lead discomfort and sleepless nights or worse, poor posture.

Toddler pillows are designed around your baby’s proportions, allowing for a comfortable sleep while providing your little ones developing body with appropriate support.

When to introduce your toddler to a pillow

There is much debate as to when a toddler should start using a pillow. Many “experts” agree that the right time to give your toddler a pillow is when you transition your little one from the crib to a bed, around the age of 18 – 24 months.

The answer you will get from parents, however, will differ vastly. Many parents report that they introduced pillows well before this age without problems. As every baby develops and behaves differently, there doesn’t appear to be a universal “right” time to introduce your baby to a pillow.

Ultimately as the parent, it is your decision as to when your little one is ready to use a pillow. If you watch your toddler closely then you may notice him giving you clues that he is ready to make the jump to sleeping with a pillow. Clues include:

• Failure to sleep without the head being propped up
• Restless at night due to being uncomfortable
• Resting the head on a blanket or stuffed animal
• Laying head on a pillow on the couch or in your bed

Another indicator is to look at your baby’s shoulders. Once they are wider than his head then your little one will usually be more comfortable sleeping on a pillow than a flat mattress.

The purpose of giving your toddler a pillow to sleep on is to make him more comfortable. If your toddler is sleeping just fine without a pillow then simply look out for the above clues and continue your little ones sleeping routine as normal.

Choosing the best pillow for your toddler

If you are trying to find the best pillow for your toddler then you will need to take the following points into consideration.

Know your toddlers allergies

Let’s say that your child is allergic to wool. It goes without saying that you would not buy your toddler a wool pillow, which would only aggravate his allergy. By being aware of what your little one is and isn’t allergic to will help you narrow down the perfect toddler pillow.

Firm vs soft

You will need to strike up a delicate balance between comfort and support. If you press down on a pillow and it does not regain its shape then the pillow is too soft and is unsafe for your toddler to use as it poses a suffocation risk.

On the flip side if you press down on the pillow and it doesn’t move at all then the pillow may be to hard to provide comfort. While the majority of toddler pillows have been designed to provide optimal support, it is still something to take into consideration.

Pillow cover material

The outer part of the toddler pillow is generally made from cotton. Be mindful that when choosing a pillow that cotton can be regular or organic. Organic cotton lacks the harmful toxins, bleaches and dyes that ordinarily go along with the cotton manufacturing process. Needless to say, you don’t want your baby breathing in these industrial materials while sleeping. Organic toddler pillows will always be clearly marked. If you cannot figure out if a toddler pillow is organic or not then it is better to use caution and assume that the pillow isn’t.

Common toddler pillow cover materials include:

• Cotton
• Cotton polyester blend
• Synthetic fiber

Thread count

If you have ever purchased new bedding then you may have come across the term “thread count”. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the silkier and more durable the pillow will feel. Toddler pillows with a high thread count are less scratchy and more comfortable than those with a lower thread count.

Pillow fill material

Beneath the pillow case hides the material that keeps your child’s head supported and comfortable. There are many different materials that can be used to fill toddler pillows. From foam to buckwheat there is a huge variety to choose from. The most common fill materials include:

• Down
• Feathers
• Synthetic fill
• Foam or memory foam

The above materials are the most common because they allow for the pillow itself to be easily cleaned. Be mindful when selecting a pillow that the fill doesn’t make too much noise as it moves around inside the pillow. Materials like buckwheat and certain synthetic fills can make a loud, crinkling noise when the weight of your toddlers head is shifted. The crinkling noise may result in your toddler being awoken from his slumber, not a desired outcome for any parent.

Hypoallergenic

Is your toddler sensitive to microbes, dust, dust miters, mould and more? Hypoallergenic pillows are made from materials that will help reduce allergic reactions. Many organic toddler pillows are naturally hypoallergenic. If your pillow is not organic then it will be clearly marked as to whether it is hypoallergenic or not.

 

11 Car Seat Dos and Don’ts

Prevent common car seat buying, installation and usage mistakes with this simple list of dos and don’ts.

1. DO take your car (and its manual) with you when buying a car seat, and try installing a demo seat to make sure it fits.

2. DO ensure there’s a National Safety Mark on the seat, which tells you it complies with Canadian standards.

3. DON’T cross-border shop for a car seat. Laws and safety standards are different in Canada and the US, and the use of car seats bought outside the country is prohibited in Canada.

4. DO think twice about a second-hand seat—it may have been in a car crash, or it could be expired or about to expire. Almost all car seat makers require you to replace your car seat or booster seat after any crash—even minor fender-benders.

5. DO register your seat with the manufacturer right after you purchase it so they can let you know about any recalls or issues.

6. DO find a local certified car seat technician, car seat clinic or St. John Ambulance location and have your installation technique checked out. You have to be able to install your seats correctly every time, so learn from an expert.

7. DO make sure anyone who transports your kids follows the same safety rules—including grandma and grandpa.

8. DO use a thin receiving blanket, dish towel or brand-specific protective mat under your seat base if you’re worried about damaging your car’s upholstery.

9. DON’T use anything slippery, stiff or tacky, such as a plastic bag or shelf liner, between your car seat and vehicle seat—it could interfere with proper installation.

10. DON’T throw straps in the washing machine—it can weaken the material. Always check your manual for cleaning instructions. And if the straps are really gross, find out if you can order replacements from the manufacturer.

11. DO use your manual after dismantling the seat for cleaning (or any other reason) to make sure it’s put back together properly.

5 Ways to Save money on Birthday Party Supplies

1. Don’t buy themed decorations

Your kid might really want those Paw Patrol-themed decorations, but they’re quite pricey! Going with simple, solid-colored paper products will save you a lot in the long run. So ask your little one which color he’d like and then buy napkins, paper plates and cups in that shade.

When it comes to decorating, buy one themed item and then craft the rest. Have scrap fabric, paper or plastic lying around the house?  Try making a DIY banner or bunting.

2. Make your own cake

It may sound like a daunting task, but making your own cake is easier than you’d think! You don’t have to go searching for a complicated recipe—use boxed cake mix, but make it taste homemade.

3. DIY cake toppers

Why buy when you can DIY? Making your own cake toppers not only saves you money, but it’ll also give your cake that extra pizzazz you’re looking for. Make a trendy mini banner for your cake, try pom-pom lettering or even craft toppers with your kid’s face! It doesn’t get any more customized than that. Be sure to store them somewhere safe so you can reuse them next time.

4. Avoid parties at mealtimes

If you can, try planning the party at a time when you know the kids will be satisfied with just a few snacks. Cut up veggies and make hummus. Put out bowls of chips and popcorn. Aim for early afternoon (around 2 p.m.), which actually is the best time for younger kids because it doesn’t ruin their nap schedule.

7. Set up a cookie decorating station

Instead of goodie bags, have the kids take home a little bag full of cookies they’ve decorated. Buy a pack of simple sugar cookies from the grocery store (or bake them yourself—it’s up to you), and gather icing and candies for the decorating portion from a bulk store. Your pint-sized guests will not only be entertained, but they’ll be excited to show their parents their creations.

5 Reasons Your Kid Should Not Have A Cell Phone

1. Privacy Concerns

You may be surprised to find out that only 61% of youth use privacy settings on their social media sites and 52% don’t turn off their location or GPS services. This leaves their locations visible to strangers.

But the scariest revelation to me was that 14% of children have posted their home addresses online.

And before you say, “OH my child would NEVER do anything like that, because we’ve had the “talk” with them; realize this study also revealed that almost 70% of the youth polled admitted to hiding their online activities. Add this to the fact that less than half of the parents are aware of what their child is doing online.

2. Regrets

So what exactly are the kids doing online with their smartphones? Since 1 in 4 teens are “cell-mostly” internet users, saying they mostly go online using their phone, parents need to realize this is their access to the online world. The phones really aren’t just for talking anymore. They are use for texting, surfing, social media, pictures, and yes even sexting.

1 in 4 use their phones primarily as a computer for online access, the other 75% use their tablets or other mobile device. So even if you think they’re not online because they don’t have a phone- ask yourself- do they have a tablet, an iPod, an iPad, a kindle? These need to be monitored just as heavily as smart phones.

3. Cyber-Bullying

This should probably be at the top of the list because the results of cyber-bullying can lead to a lot more than regrets, job-loss or embarrassment. It can lead to Death!

Wikipedia defines it as the use of information technology to repeatedly harm or harass other people in a deliberate manner. “That may be posting rumors or gossip, but it can elevate to personally identifying victims and publishing material that defames and humiliates them.

This is SERIOUS!

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s about 4,400 deaths every year! And that doesn’t include the 440,000 suicide attempts that were unsuccessful.

4. Inhibits True Social Interaction

A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, found that 6th graders who went five days without exposure to technology were significantly better at reading human emotions than kids who had regular access to phones, televisions and computers. It goes on to explain that this finding should be a wake-up call to schools to make sure they’re not just shoving iPads into student’s hands as a teaching method. Instead they need to make sure they’re getting real face to face social interaction and less screen time.

5. Poor Academic Performance and More Anxiety

Many schools ban students from bringing in cell phones. Since most cell phones are able to look up information online, and can double as calculators and cameras; the ways that a child can use them to their advantage are numerous. It seems that texting has become the new way to “pass notes” in the back of the class.

Even if your child isn’t cheating with his cell phone, if he or she is using it, then they are not listening to the teacher, therefore adding one more distraction to their learning experience.

CUT DOWN YOUR CHILD’S SUGAR

A child’s body gets all the sugar it needs from that naturally occurring in food. Added sugar just means a lot of empty calories that contribute to hyperactivity, mood disorders, and increase the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even suicidal behaviors in teenagers.

How to cut down sugar?

The American Heart Association recommends that sugar intake for children is limited to 3 teaspoons (12 grams) a day. A 12-ounce soda contains up to 10 teaspoons or 40g of added sugar, shakes and sweetened coffee drinks even more. Large amounts of added sugar can also be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, frozen dinners, and fast food. In fact, about 75% of packaged food in the U.S. contains added sugar.

• Don’t ban sweets entirely. Having a no sweets rule is an invitation for cravings and overindulging when given the chance.

• Give recipes a makeover. Many recipes taste just as good with less sugar.

• Avoid sugary drinks. Instead, try adding a splash of fruit juice to sparkling water or blending whole milk with a banana or berries for a delicious smoothie.

• Don’t replace healthy sources of saturated fat with refined carbs or sugary snacks. It’s a mistake many of us make. Instead of letting our kids eat whole-fat yoghurt, for example, we offer them low-fat versions, not realizing they’re often packed with added sugar to make up for the loss of taste. Or we swap breakfast eggs for a pastry or muffin.

• Create your own popsicles and frozen treats. Freeze 100% fruit juice in an ice-cube tray with plastic spoons as popsicle handles. Or make frozen fruit kabobs using pineapple chunks, bananas, grapes, and berries.

LET YOUR KIDS FALL

The most experienced part of our lives is – failure. Failure so that we can rise up, learn and don’t repeat the same things again. The same thing goes with children. Let your little ones fall and it’s OK for them to fall. When children fall, they learn to get back up all by themselves and wipe them off. Falling is also a part of the learning process for your child. As kids fall, their brain learns to adapt and tries to moderate changes in hand and leg movements. As they fall more and more, and get practice of it, they prevent themselves from falling by shifting their body weight to the other side.These adaptive responses help children organize incoming sensations, to create a more mature brain.

Cautioning the child is a very common thing one does, when a child tries to explore foreign territories like climbing stairs, or climbing some new obstacles saying, “don’t fall, take care.” However, cautioning them and giving warnings to your child can confuse them. Most of the time, the child is already being cautious and carefully assessing the environment on their own, as they navigate the foreign terrain. In fact, giving too many verbal commands can make the child more cautious and fearful with movement–hindering them from fully developing as nature intended.

If children get too many auditory cues, this takes away from their ability to use the essential senses of vision, muscle sense, and balance–all critical when walking and running around new obstacles.

If we try to prevent all falls, even the little ones–children may not learn how to adapt their bodies to falling.Kids need to challenge themselves and take risks in order to fully develop their bodies and brains. Our job is to keep them safe; ironically, that means letting them fall from time to time.

So, next time don’t take tension your little one falls. Let him/her fall and learn… 🙂

7 THINGS NOT TO SAY TO YOUR KIDS

Parenting is not an easy job. The most important and difficult part of parenting is learning to talk to your child.

Remember that children take everything literally and the way you talk to them goes a long way in building their personality. As a parent who wants the best for them, sometimes we say things that we don’t really mean.

Read on to know the 10 things parents and grandparents should never tell their kids:

1. ‘You are a bad boy/girl’

Never feed negative thoughts in your children, it kills their self-esteem. Kids are innocent and believe in goodness. Always tell them to be good, happy, and positive. Explain them that some words or actions are bad as they may hurt or harm somebody. But don’t tell them that it makes them a bad boy/girl. In fact, give them a positive comment like “you are the best/cutest/brightest child in the world,” it will boost their self-esteem. Chances are that they would never want to let you down. Teach them what is right and wrong, and to value good things over bad.

2. A straight ‘NO’

A straight ‘no’ is too harsh for your little prince/princess. If kids hear ‘no’ all the time, they lose confidence and faith in their parents. If you don’t approve of your children action, try giving them options. For example, instead of saying “No shouting,” try “Talk softly, please.” Instead of “Don’t play in the house,” tell them “Why don’t you call your friends to the park and play.”

3. ‘Don’t talk to me’

Never ban the channel of communication between you and your children. Never tell them to stop talking or arguing. Let them question and share their opinion freely. Rather talk to them, if you want them to stick to your advice. Tell them what they are supposed to do and why it’s important. Convince them with your words, tone, and expressions. Yes, keep talking and listening till they buy your point. When my child doesn’t buy my point, instead of asking him not to argue, I make a sad face and say ‘Okay, do whatever you like, but I am upset.’ This may start the conversation again and you have a chance to bargain or win the argument. Try arriving on a win-win situation.

4. ‘Why can’t you be like your brother/sister?’

Never compare your children with their brother/sister. It makes them jealous. They will feel left out. It drives feeling of failure in your kids and dislike between siblings.

5. ‘You can’t do this!’

Never shake your kids’ self-confidence. There will be times when they would want to do something, but you know they won’t be able to do. Just remember to give them a chance as long as it doesn’t harm them. When my son thinks he can lift a heavy chair, instead of ‘you can’t do it,’ I tell him, ‘Try if you can do it or I will help you,’ or  ‘You might hurt yourself in this attempt so let me do it for you.’ The best alternative, however, is ‘Let’s do it together!’ Kids learn through trial and error. However they’ll never try anything new, if you’ve made them afraid to try.

6. ‘Let Daddy come and I will tell…’

This common mistake by parents is a double whammy. It instils anxiety and fear in your child—especially of the person who you’re going to tell about whatever happened—and it shows you’re incapable of handling your children or the issue. Also, don’t make it an everyday threat. There are things your kid may do unintentionally, or irresponsibly. You may want to tell your spouse about it. Ask your kids, “Do you want to tell dad, or should I explain it to him and give the reason?” Let your children take ownership of their mistakes and their actions, but do it respectfully.

7. ‘No one wants kids like you’

A ‘problem child’ doesn’t exist by its own, right? We are the ones to blame if kids become problematic. They are a reflection of parents. They have learned everything from parents, family, friends, and surroundings. So if you think your children aren’t behaving properly, remember they didn’t choose to be in the world that surrounds them. You chose that world for them!

How to Baby Proof Everything Electrical

Whether you like it or not, electrical products form a major part of our everyday lives. You can find them in every room of your home. Power outlets, extension leads, phone chargers, computer cables… The list goes on. Unfortunately, none of these electrical products were designed with your baby’s safety in mind.

Okay, lets do some basic kiddie math…

Baby + Electricity = Disaster

When looking at how to baby proof (or “child proof” if you don’t like calling your little one a baby) your home, you must consider everything and anything that is electrical because, as you may have noticed, electrical products and your baby just don’t mix.

Baby Proofing Electrical Outlets

I don’t know what it is about electrical outlets, but baby’s love them. Maybe it’s because they see you plugging in an appliance and want to imitate you. Maybe it’s because outlets look like little faces, just waiting to be fed something.

What, you don’t see it? Look again…

 

Those faces are hungry and ready to be fed a meal of coins, keys and anything else your baby can squeeze inside.

Ever heard of the electric chair? Zap! If your baby puts any object in a power outlet then the result will be similar; a serious risk of electric shock. You definitely do not want to rush your child to an emergency room because they have been electrocuted.

According to the National Fire Protection Assoscation, approximately 2,400 children suffer from severe shock and burns caused by items being poked into the slots of electrical receptacles. Even more worrying, approximately 12 children will die from these injuries each year.

As you can see, electrical outlets are dangerous… But wait! Before you run out and buy baby proofing products, you need will need to take a closer look at the outlet you have installed and why it matters.

Hiding behind your outlet cover is a receptacle. This is what the electrical wires screw into. Essentially each outlet in your house will be one of the following:

1. Regular electrical Receptacle

 

A regular electrical receptacle. If you look at the vertical slots you will notice that they are open, allowing your baby to poke objects inside. If you house was built prior to 2008 and you have not renovated then chances are you will have these installed.

Since your baby can poke things into this outlet; it will need to be baby proofed.

2. Tamper Resistant Receptacle

You may notice that the vertical slots on this receptacle appears to have been filled in with plastic. These are actually spring loaded shutters that close off the openings to the contacts. The only time these shutters will open is if they are pushed simultaneously (as in you plugging something into the outlet). Since your baby wont be able to compress both openings at once he will be unable to poke anything into the outlet.

All new houses built after 2008 will have tamper-resistant receptacle (also known as TRR’s) installed as standard, as required by the National Electrical Code. If you have renovated after this date then the electrician may have also replaced your outlets.

In addition to the plastic filled vertical slots, TRR’s can also be identified by the letters “TR” engraved between the two vertical slots. If you look closely at the above picture you may just be able to make it out.

As you may have guessed, this style of electrical outlet does not require baby proofing.

Only one last thing to identify.

Whether your outlet is a standard or Decora style. This is important as it determines which baby proofing products will fit your outlet. You don’t want to buy a baby safety product only to discover it doesn’t fit!

Fortunately telling the two styles apart is dead simple.

Standard electrical outlet

Decora electrical outlet

The key difference is how the outlet cover attaches to the receptacle. The standard style uses a screw (seen between the two outlets) while the Decora simply clips into the cover. If you have a GFCI power outlet, then for the purpose of baby proofing; consider it a Decora outlet.

So before we continue you should be able to answer the following to questions:

1. Is does the outlet use a Standard Receptacle or Tamper Resistant Receptacle.
2. Is the style of the outlet standard or Decora?

With those two questions answered it’s time to start baby proofing your electrical outlets.

Baby proofing empty electrical outlets

An empty electrical outlet is an outlet that has no appliances plugged in. These outlets are just sitting there, tempting your baby to poke something inside. Fortunately baby proofing these outlets is not only cheap but incredibly easy to do. The most basic solution is the electrical outlet cap.

Electrical outlet caps

The first and cheapest way to prevent your child sticking objects in electrical outlets is to buy a packet (or more if required) of child proof electrical outlet caps. These covers are entirely made of plastic and plug directly into your electrical outlet. The exposed front is entirely flat, making it difficult for your child to grip. If your baby cant poke anything inside, then he is safe. It’s that simple.

The only downside of electrical safety caps is that you will need to remove them every time you need to use the electrical outlet, such as when you are vacuuming. If it slips your mind to put the plug cover back into the outlet when you are done, the baby proofing effect is lost.

You will need to count out just how many outlet caps you need before you commit to buying a packet (they are generally cheaper when bought in bulk). Don’t forget to count unused power strip outlets when figuring out how many you need.