This can be sort of a challenge for Montessori families. Montessori emphasizes the freedom of movement, the need for young children to explore and manipulate their environment, and generally just trusts kids with "dangerous" objects {like knives, or working tools} from a much younger age than most mainstream parents. In Montessori, it is the adult's job the prepare the space to make it safe and accessible to children, not our job to place roadblocks to exploration in our home.
But, this doesn't mean that Montessori homes don't take precautions to keep babies safe. But, it has to be balanced with these other Montessori needs. So, how do we baby proof in our Montessori home?
For us, the answer is balance. We both want to keep our children safe, but give them freedoms. I have become aware of what I call "the commercialization of safety." And, therefore approach many baby proofing products with a skeptical eye. There are so many places trying to sell us something to prevent some "hazard." I really evaluate whether the risk is something I need to prevent, or if it is just meant to help avoid an adult inconvenience.
Must-Haves
- Accessible electrical covers - we have changed as many of our electrical outlets to include built in covers. These outlets keep a baby from getting electrocuted if something was stuck inside the outlet, BUT allow a toddler or older child to plug an electronic in without needing assistance or removing a bulky cover.
- Furniture anchors - anchoring tall furniture to the walls so that it wont tip if climbed.
- Baby Gate (kind of) - we have one set of tall, steep stairs which we gate, our other smaller stairs are not blocked off.
Things We Skip
- Cabinet locks - instead we opt to move dangerous chemicals/medicines up high or in locked boxes. And, yes, that sometimes causes a mess, but for us it's more important that our children have access to practical tools and the ability to explore than to lock things up. We simply remove anything we don't want touched.
- Bumpers - we skip things meant to keep our kids from bumping their heads or bodies.
- Toilet Locks/Fridge Locks - basically any lock that keeps your kids from using every-day objects
- Door Covers - I don't find them necessary, again I see it as my job to just remove anything I don't want explored and to set my kids free in our home
What baby proofing items are must-haves for you?
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