Having a baby is life changing -- and it's house changing, too. You may have to say goodbye to decorative accessories, glass furniture and convenience, but peace of mind and your child's safety are worth it.

"Childproofing is important because unintentional injuries in the home account for some 7,000 deaths among children and disables more than 50,000 annually," says Mike Crimm, safety expert for the Home Safety Council. "Each year, 13 million children – one out of four – are injured seriously enough to require medical attention."

Implementing safety measures can help decrease these frightening statistics. "Prevention is the key to preventing injuries," says Dr. Todd Maxson, medical director of the Trauma Program at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. "Children don't announce when they've mastered a new skill, so it's important to anticipate where a child's attention will focus next. You won't know your child can open a door, turn on the oven or open a medication bottle until she's done it."

Dr. Maxson recommends childproofing your home by exploring it on your child's level – on your hands and knees. This is the best way to find dangers your child might encounter. Repeat this process in every room of the house, checking for visible dangers. Check carpets for buried dangers such as pins or coins.

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