| Baby safety products are essential items for new | | | | A baby play pen is one of the most versatile |
| moms. There is nothing more overwhelming than | | | | baby accessories, and considered a must have |
| realizing that this little guy or gal is totally | | | | product for moms. When looking for a play pen, |
| dependent upon you to make them safe in this | | | | keep these things in mind: |
| world. The responsibility is huge, but so is the | | | | Test the play pen for sturdiness and portability. |
| reward! Here is what you need to enjoy your little | | | | You want a sturdy play area but also one that is |
| bundle of joy and stress a little less. | | | | easy to set up and take down. |
| 1. Baby Monitor: You can not keep your eyes | | | | Check to make sure the play pen top securely |
| glued on your child, no matter how much you | | | | locks, that there are no tears in the mesh on the |
| would like to. A monitor ensures that you can get | | | | side, and that the mesh is securely tied to the top |
| needed tasks done or sleep well at night knowing | | | | rail and the floor. |
| you will hear your baby when they cry. When | | | | Look for ones that provide features meaningful to |
| looking at monitors here are some helpful tips: | | | | you. For instance, if you plan to take your baby |
| - Monitors with a frequency of 900MHZ or higher | | | | to the park a play pen with a top canopy that |
| will provide less noise interference and better | | | | shields him or her from the sun would be a good |
| clarity. | | | | pick for you. |
| - Choose a monitor that features a low battery | | | | Finally, if buying new, make sure you fill out the |
| light so you know when the batteries need to be | | | | warranty. This ensures you receive any |
| changed. | | | | information on product recalls. |
| - Think about the feature that will provide you | | | | 3. Baby safety gates: Safety gates are used for |
| with the most comfort and ease of use. For | | | | babies starting at six months of age. They are |
| instance, many models offer belt clips for easier | | | | crucial for houses with stairs, but also helpful to |
| portability. Some models come with a sound | | | | separate pets from your child or to keep your |
| activated light. These are nice for those times | | | | children out of certain locations in the house. |
| when you are vacuuming, blowing your hair, or | | | | Here are some tips on using gates effectively: |
| otherwise engaged in high noise activities. There | | | | Gates used at the top of stairs, either outside or |
| are also video monitors you can purchase which | | | | inside, should always be hardware mounted. These |
| allow you to see what is going on. | | | | are screwed into the wall to ensure optimum |
| 2. Baby Play Pen/Play Yard: It will not be long | | | | safety. The gate only swings one way, so make |
| before your baby starts crawling around. A play | | | | sure it swings away from the stairs, rather than |
| pen provides a safe place to play while you are | | | | over them. |
| busy doing other things. They are also great for | | | | Gates used at the bottom of stairs or between |
| portability and provide a travel crib/changing table | | | | rooms can be pressure mounted. |
| and many even feature a top bassinet. | | | | |