baby vs hardwood floors

0 votes

My 7 month old son is doing a lot of crawling now and also pulling himself onto his knees in an attempt to stand. Sometimes, he even gets to his feet. As he tries out these new skills, he has a tendency to lose his balance and fall. Most of our downstairs is pergo flooring (fake wood over concrete). While he cries briefly and can then be consoled, we're afraid that, one time, he's really going to hurt himself.

Any suggestions on how to protect him? We don't own the house so we're unable to lay down wall-to-wall carpeting.

We have already put down some of those A-B-C foam tiles and they seem to be working well. Problem is, there's more exposed floor than those mats will cover.

Thanks!
Alana

1 little boy, girl on the way, still many ?s
Cupertino, CA

Dec 5, 2009

3 Answers

  • 2 votes

    I found most babies quickly learn to land on their tush, on their diapers. It makes for a nice, cushy landing. I wouldn't worry too much about the fall of perhaps 20 inches, usually done in slow motion.

    I agree with this answer. You're going to be in this phase for such a short time, I really wouldn't worry about it.

    - Stephen M., Dec 8, 2009

    Anonymous

    Dec 5, 2009

  • 0 votes

    In those early days, we found that one of the most important things is making sure that our son had proper traction for his first steps around the house (we have half hardwood, half carpet). Some of his infant PJ's had feet and no rubbery traction, others (and socks) had traction pads that honestly don't make a huge difference, and others don't have feet at all. For walking/crawling practice, making sure he's in short sleeves and bare feet.

    That said, we carpeted his room (with Flor carpet tiles) and kept most things "baby friendly". And, everything is a learning experience, so we realized that a bump or two here or there isn't the end of the world. :) (I'll refrain from telling the story of the trip to the emergency room caused by a board book).

    Keep in mind that you can always go to any carpet store and buy carpet, have it "edge bound" (so that it doesn't fray) and put down a pad underneath it. If you size the carpet to the room(s) exactly, you'll hardly be able to tell that it isn't wall-to-wall, and it may even be cheaper than wall-to-wall with installation. I really like the carpet store that's right across the street from the new JCC, although I can't remember what the name of it is.
    Steve Lacy

    "Daddy do it!"
    Silicon Valley

    Dec 8, 2009

  • 0 votes

    The area that you have him on you could lay out a temporary rug. Make sure you put a rug holder(?) under it to keep it stable. Bed, Bath and beyond have them. You could also buy the socks that have grippers on the bottom. Old Navy sells them, I'm sure target does too. Unfortunately, as they learn this new skill, bumps and bruises are par for the course. Keep in mind, if you have stairs, to put a gate up.(if you're allowed). Be sure that also any corners you may have have been protected. Fireplaces are a big piece to protect, but kids often use them as an aide to get around.

    They have a lot of things to help you out on Safety First. there is a website. They have all kinds of gizmos and gadgets to help you childproof your home. The more he practices, the better he'll get at it. Hope this has helped.

    And...Duct tape and Bubble wrap does wonders.

    Anonymous

    Dec 5, 2009



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