Our babyproofing needs babyproofing

We've started to babyproof (and not a minute too soon!) but Claire has already destroyed about half of what we've done.

One of our first priorities was the sharp edge of the coffee table. We opted for a "removable" foam edge guard. How can double-sided tape be strong enough to ruin the finish on your coffee table but not strong enough to keep an infant from peeling off the foam?


The table looked like this for a few days, but then Claire peeled off a section, and one of the corners popped off. I haven't had a chance to buy Goo Gone, yet, so the edge is sticky and gross. Yesterday we bought a fabric, elastic padded edge guard which we'll try out next.

Since Claire isn't toddling yet, she's not in imminent danger of bumping her head, but she has been chewing on the drawer knobs!


Another high priority was electrical outlets. Claire's already tried to play with a plug that was plugged into an outlet, so we're skipping the little plastic things that plug into empty outlets and going for the big guns. We've replaced the outlet faceplates with spring-loaded sliding covers.


For the outlets that frequently have something plugged in, we got faceplate boxes that totally cover the outlets and plugs. It took James a few minutes to figure out how to open the box, so hopefully it will keep Claire out at least as long!


We may be forced to buy a new entertainment center with lockable doors, because the plastic guards we put in front of the electronics haven't been able to keep Claire out. James, who once asked if we could register for a flatscreen TV at Babies R Us, is now advocating for a projection TV that we could mount on the ceiling. You know, just for an extra measure of safety.


The plastic guards that they sell at Babies R Us aren't quite the right length for our entertainment center, so they leave some buttons uncovered, and it takes two to cover the VCR. Claire hasn't managed to pry them off, yet, but she's stuck her fingers behind them and admired her reflection in them.


Then, there's the coax cable that has to span the length of one wall. Babies R Us sells cord covers that glue to the wall and then lock closed around the cord.


It took Claire just a few minutes to pull them off the wall. We'll either have to screw them into the baseboard, or find another product. Next time I'll look at a hardware store instead of a baby store.


While I'm at the hardware store, I'll look for heating grates that aren't so sharp and perfectly sized to trap tiny fingers. Maybe wood? I'm hoping that someone makes a version with a mesh net inside to catch anything that gets dropped down in. I'm picturing crayons melting in our heating ducts!


Of course, babyproofing is more about a lifestyle change than buying products. We plan to gate off the living room from the dining room, and then clutter, cups of coffee, and laptops will have to stay in the baby-free zone.


It looks like Claire is going to give us a run for our money.