Baby Proofing

Confession: I dread going to non-baby proofed homes.

Who's with me?!?! Nothing makes me more anti-social than having to closely monitor behind my newly mobile 14 month old making sure that he doesn't tear the host's home up. And yes we are good about telling Colton "no" or "don't touch, just look" but really what fun is it for child to hear "no" every step they take and what fun is it for parents to have to say "no" to every move their kids make. Wasn't the point of the invitation to socialize? How does that happen, when everything in the house screams "touch me" and to be respectful of those locations, I or Alfie have to watch Colton very closely.

Perfect example. Friday we went to a Christmas party at a home with no young children. There were lovely decorations throughout the family room/ kitchen and of course a large sparkling tree with ornaments complete with a very fun looking train underneath. I am sure Colton looked at it thinking "Heck yeah! Lets do this!!" and all i thought was "Oh Sweet Lord...a freakin' train. Kill me now!" Knowing that all night i would have to redirect Colton from the tree towards one of his lame toys only to then be distracted toward another poorly placed home decor item. I mean really, whats more fun: a giant tree with dangly things you can pull off and throw AND that has a train underneath OR a truck that he has played with loads of times?!?! Ummm I'm going with tree! The karma in me wants to give Colty a gentle nudge and say "Go to my man, they asked for it", high five him and take a seat on the couch while watching him trash the place... but I'm sure that would come back to bite me, so yeah. Needless to say, I didn't get to socialize very much that night... oh well.

Now of course I don't expect people to fully baby proof for my child BUT should you know someone with a small kid coming over it might serve you well (and aid in a much more delightful visit) to have an area that is ok for playing, where things are okay to touch or where there is nothing breakable or dangerous (like outlets covered) AND bonus if you have a few toys that they can play with (I always pack something for Colty but "new" toys make the trip extra special). I'm sure singles or couples with no kids wonder why families with children always want to host or why its a pain for us to "come over". Its for this reason: The kid is in their surroundings at home. They already know what is a "no touch" area, they have baby gates up, and mom and dad can actually enjoy their company because the need to monitor the little monster is gone! Its far easier to host than be invited places. (And extra easier if the gathering is NOT in the evening...hello its baby bedtime by 8).

Now i am not saying come over and trash my house just because we are baby proofed (i love the mommas who clean up after their kiddos before they leave), but Alfie and I definitely have it arranged that the family room area is a play zone, so children PLAY ON! (but only in there. All other areas of the house are off limits...lol) We have no decorative bowls or items that can be knocked down or broken. No baskets that can be pulled out and emptied. No DVDs that can be pulled out and stepped on. just toys, blankets and pillows. Now i am sure our home does not look as decorated as id like, BUT its Colton's home too and I'd like him to be just as comfortable in that space to do what he pleases as I am. And if that means i have to hold off on decorating for the next few months, then so be it.

So this holiday season, with the oodles of parties and family gatherings, think of us parents with little ones. Take pity on us and throw up a baby gate. Pop in some outlet covers. block off a room, have a basket of toys... ANYTHING. It will make the visit that much more enjoyable for everyone. Unless of course your goal is a quick visit, then of course don't change a thing, and we will be out of your home in under an hour!