Baby Proofing & Safety
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Babies start to put things in their mouths starting around 3 or 4 months of age as soon as they're old enough to reach for and grab things. This behavior may increase once they start teething - around 6 or 7 months of age.
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At eight months of age, babies start to crawl. But, risk for injury may start before then.
Baby Proofing Checklist
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Place safety covers on all electrical outlets or block the outlets with your furniture.
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Keep wires, strings, and other objects away from your baby’s reach.
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Move sharp furniture away or place guards on all sharp edges.
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Keep floors clean.
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Make sure the TV and other furniture cannot move or fall; attach furniture to the walls.
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Make sure chemicals, and medicines are at the top of cabinets and out of easy reach.
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Place baby safety gates on your stairs, with the gate opening out away from the staircase.
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Learn more here about why babies put everything in their mouth.
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The DO's and DON'Ts of Baby Gates
Do select only hardware-mounted gates for the top of the stairs. Install the gate so that it swings open over the floor, not over the steps.
Do install hardware into the wall stud or into solid wood. Use screws that are long enough for installation into the gate hardware, drywall, and into the wall stud. Sometimes the screws that come with gates are not long enough.
Do put a gate at the bottom of your stairs. Children can quickly climb up stairs and fall.
Do use baby gates that are JPMA certified for use for children. Never use gates intended for pets, or modify gates for pet use.
Do keep gates closed and latched. This prevents injuries and damage to your gate.
Don't use pressure gates at the top of stairways. They can easily become dislodged or be a tripping hazard.
Don't install latch or hinge hardware into round or uneven banister posts. This can cause improper latching of the gate.
Don't create an entrapment risk by installing your baby gate too high. Baby gates requires spaces to be less than 3 inches.
Don't climb over your baby gate. Your child may get the idea that it's okay to climb over the gate, or you could accidentally dislodge the gate.
Don't forget that adult supervision is best. Having a gate doesn't mean that you don't need to watch your baby.
Do keep in mind that gate installations can be difficult. The correct gate and tools along with patience will help you safely protect your stairways and danger zones. Learn more about baby gates here.
Poison Control
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Available 24/7, the toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center, is your resource for help in a poisoning emergency. When you call, you will speak with a specially trained nurse, pharmacist, or doctor at your local poison center.
Source
Poison Help. https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/
Why do babies put everything in their mouth? BabyCenter.com. https://www.babycenter.com/baby/behavior/why-does-my-baby-put-everything-in-her-mouth_6721