Your little one's playroom is a room set aside for her and her toys. This is the area of your home where she'll spend her time having fun, satisfying her curiosities, and developing her intuition. This is a far cry from the playpens to which parents confined their babies a generation ago. Infants are now encouraged to explore their newfound freedom and entertain themselves. The problem is, a playroom needs to be babyproofed in order to protect the safety of your little one. Many parents neglect to do so.

This article will provide an overview of the potential dangers that can lurk within your baby's designated play area. You may be surprised by the number of hazards that can threaten her safety. Now is the time to begin planning - before your little one can discover these dangers on her own.

Harmful Gases And Metals

One of the most common elements in homes that can have a long-term impact on an infant's growth, development, and overall health, is carbon monoxide. It's tasteless, odorless, and invisible, which means it's impossible to detect with the naked eye. Babies are especially susceptible because their immune systems are weaker than adults. Making matters worse, homes built today are so tightly-sealed that the gas can be trapped inside throughout the year.

Buy a carbon monoxide detector and install it within your baby's playroom (if possible, near a heat source). In fact, consider buying a detector for each room in which you or your little one spend a lot of time.

Another potential danger for your infant is her prolonged exposure to lead. A lot of homes that were built prior to 1980 either have lead in the original paint or within the wallpaper. This causes tiny particles to become airborne, which can be ingested through dust. A high level of exposure over a long period of time can even cause lead poisoning.

The best approach is to have your home tested for lead. If lead is found, you can hire contractors to remove it (expensive and inconvenient), or use sealants to cover it up.

Outlets, Gadgets, Doors, And More

Beyond gases and metals, there are several other items that can prove harmful to your little one within her playroom. For example, electrical outlets will be immediately accessible to her because they are usually located near the floor. Given an infant's curious nature, an uncovered outlet can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, you can purchase plastic covers that snap into the outlets and prevent tampering.

Also, many parents leave DVD players, game consoles, and other gadgets in their babies playrooms. These can be dangerous for a couple of reasons. First, these electronics give your baby an opportunity to stick her fingers in places that can cause injury. Second, she might become entangled in the cords. If you must leave these things in your little one's play area, keep them out of her reach.

Doors can also pose a danger. The door jamb can hurt your baby's fingers and the hinges might catch her clothing. You can buy doorstops that all but eliminate the likelihood of her getting her fingers caught in the jamb. You can also purchase special hinges that are designed to avoid catching clothes.

Inspecting The Toys For Potential Hazards

The toys you buy for your baby may be hazardous for several reasons. For example, over the past few years, a number of toys have been recalled by their respective manufacturers. Some of the recalls involved safety issues, such as small detachable parts that can be easily swallowed by an infant. Others involved lead paint. Keep in mind that nearly every toy you buy for your baby will eventually end up in her mouth. Examine them carefully before adding them to her play area.

A designated playroom gives your little one a chance to enjoy a high level of autonomy away from her crib or playpen. But make sure you babyproof the area to protect her safety.