(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best baby safety products

I have recently gotten our babyproofing to a useful state for our 16 month old, and I'm also someone who occasionally works from home. This is what has worked for me...

First, we have several zones that are 100% babyproofed, with doorway gates where needed to keep those rooms/areas locked down. We have a bunch of Regalo gates with the walk-through swinging doors because I'm not keen on stepping over a bunch of gates while trying to hold a toddler. We're also using a play gate (similar to http://www.amazon.com/Northstate-Superyard-Playgate-Light-Gray/dp/B00004RA66 although I bought it for $10 at a yard sale) arranged to cordon off our fireplace. The kitchen is babyproofed with all drawers and cabinets using magnetic locks or drawer latches, stove knob covers, etc. Outlet covers everywhere in the house. All top-heavy furniture is strapped to the wall. Nylon straps with wood screws and washers (6-8" straps screwed into the back of the furniture and into a stud) are a low cost but effective method of doing this.

With that arrangement, we basically have four zones that where we can let our toddler free without worrying that she can get into anything dangerous: the kitchen (with a pack-n-play, to further confine her while cooking), the living room, her bedroom, and the basement family room/play room. There are a generous allotment of toys and books in each of these spaces. That being said, when I am working from home I always stay in the same room with my child. I use a laptop so I'm not chained to a desk. A laptop might be something for you to consider... or maybe a tablet so you can be handling email and other tasks when you are not at your desk.

The real key to getting work done while keeping my toddler entertained is that we change venues every few hours. Inevitably she is going to tire of being in the same room with the same toys for too long. So I tend to start our day in the kitchen, she plays in the pack-n-play while I check email, drink my coffee, and make her breakfast. We move to the dining room (not completely babyproofed) for her breakfast in the high chair, and I can continue to monitor email/chat and do other things that don't require much concentration while she eats. After that we move to the living room where she has a toy box and a ton of books, and she does a reasonably good job of entertaining herself for 20-30 minute stretches, usually until she's ready for her mid-day nap. I'm able to get a good chunk of work done while she plays, and then nap time gives me a solid 2 hours where I can work uninterrupted. When she wakes up, I'll take a break for us to eat lunch together and take a walk if the weather allows for it, and then we will head to her bedroom or the family room for the remainder of the afternoon, where she has different toys to keep her entertained. I'm right there if she needs help with something and I can take a break to ready a story if she requests it, but I can also get a fair amount of work done with her in the room.

I don't LARP, but I have camped several times while pregnant and with a baby (kiddo is now a year old). There wasn't much that changed when pregnant (other than #2 below), but there are lots of little things that can make baby camping easier.

Things to consider/items that helped us:

1. Upgrade tent to a larger size. Our old one fit 2 - that wasn't going to cut it with a baby. We bought one big enough to stand in and one that is darker during the day (clutch for naps!)
   
2. Upgrade to a nicer air mattress. We used to use ultralight camping pads - that did NOT cut it when I was 7 months pregnant (such back pain), and sleeping basically on the ground after birth gave me clogged ducts since I was breastfeeding. OW. So a good air mattress is essential.
   
3. Pack n play. We tried just having her sleep between us one night. I didn't sleep a wink and it confused her too since she sleeps in a crib at home. So she now sleeps in a pack n play.
   
4. Heavy weight sleep sack. Even if it's warm during the day, nights are usually colder than your temp at home. Some people do baby sleeping bags, but a super heavy weight sleep sack did the trick for us. We did not camp when baby was still in a swaddle so can't speak to that. Bring warmer gear in general (hats, buntings, fleece jackets, etc.)
   
5. Bring a camping high chair. This is once baby is sitting/eating (~6 mo+). Something like this or this. Essential for meals and just generally containing baby if you need to be doing things around camp.
   
   The above were the absolute essentials for us. Other things I've seen be really successful for friends camping are a white noise machine (tent walls are thin if camp is noisy), giant play pens so you don't have to hold baby constantly, and as someone else mentioned, carrier or hiking packs.
   
   Last, go in flexible. Baby still has to nap, they're in an unfamiliar space, etc. Camping/LARPing post-baby will NOT be the same as it was before baby. And that's okay - just go in knowing that and you'll have a blast!

I agree with stayathomedad. You are being a good dad but you also need to take care of your self so you can take care of mom and baby which means sleep. Our daughter was in the nicu for 55 days after she was born. I got so used to her constantly being hooked to monitors that I too woke up every few minutes to check her because there was no beeping. I finally go so tired that I slept for 4 or 5 hours in a row and everything was ok. That was the turning point for me.

If you are really super worried about it, you might check out something like this monitor. It’s a super crutch but some peace of mind. If you go the route of a monitor get one that measures oxygen not just clips to the diaper. If you’re baby does fall into a deep sleep it may not move enough for movement tracker to pick up ok and then you get woken up in the middle of the night panicking for no reason.

Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor - Track Your Infant's Heart Rate & Oxygen Levels - The Ultimate Baby Monitor for Peace of Mind https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rGKqDbGBYSS1C

The nursery is basically my daughter's nursery with some girly details switched out for boyish ones.

We didn't have the budget to buy new, and are "reuse what is use-able" people anyways. Nursery furniture are largely hand me downs and craigslist finds, and the furniture in my daughter's (19 month) "big girl" room was all built by my husband! With an eye towards the montesorri style, i.e., a tiny armoire that is her size! Back before my daughter was born, my husband also painted the mural in the nursery and made the mountain wall art, and we worked together to make the wall piece featuring the post cards from the 22 national parks we visited on our honeymoon.

I'm not that big on the rug in baby boy's room (I prefer something easier to clean) ... but it was in our home office and my husband pushed to reuse it.

In my daughter's room, I need someone with a better eye for such things to arrange the gauze, I basically threw it up there for this picture. We also plan to paint the hand me down kid's table a different (solid) color.

Top Five links, per the new rules (amazon FTW!):

1. woodland art and frames
   
2. pillow case
   
3. baby play mat (used in my daughter's nursery, now in her toddler room, purchased using 20% buy buy baby coupon).
   
4. Ice cream truck toy (not sure if this is cheating because its a toddler item, but man oh man does my kid get a lot of joy out of this thing, it was given to us by a neighbor a few months ago, but she would've enjoyed it the moment she could stand).
   
5. Hatch baby sound machine (love this thing with the different white noise sounds and the colors, and another poster just commented that it can be used as an 'okay to wake" signal clock for a toddler! May move it into my daughter's room when she's ready for that).
   
6. Baby sense monitor and flexcam arm (this monitor was way cheaper than most video monitors, and has worked just fine for us ... though now we plan to go with an ipad + two monitors with a wider lens, since we will eventually leave our daughter to her own devices when she wakes in her big girl room and want to be able to see everything).

I'm going to use a Foscam. It's like $60 dollars and as long as you change the administrator account/password it works amazingly.

I babysat my friends 6 month old a lot overnight and he wasn't a very good sleep through the night baby. I would feed him and make sure his diaper was changed, rock him a little to get him sleepy, and then set him in his crib. As soon as he hit the mattress he was cry. The monitor also helped to see if when he let out a small cry, if he was just stirring and would go back to sleep or if he was really awake.

I personally prefer the foscam because then you can get an app that will alert you if the sound level goes above a certain point on your cell phone. So you aren't strapped to a baby monitor and have to rely on it's battery life. It has fantastic low light vision too so when you turn the light off you can still see baby without any issue. It has a zoom/pan feature and you can talk over it as well. You can also record video too!

The foscam also has a feature that even if you aren't at home, you can still check on baby via the monitor on your app or on a website that the camera 'broadcasts' too. Don't worry you need a username/password to access this as well. And as long as you change that stuff to strong passwords, your camera won't get hacked.

If you don't want to use the 'broadcast' feature, the range on it is as long as you are within range of your wifi!

This is the one my friend had. My parents have it as well for home intrusion and I have one now for my nursery.

Edit: Although I've heard great things about the Anglecare Monitor. It's 50 bucks without the breathing pad. I really like the built in 'nightlight' on the baby unit.

Edit 2: The Philips Avent Monitor has great reviews and is just slightly more expensive at $75.

My husband is the technical guy, so I left it up to him and he decided on this. It has video and an app we can use on our android phones, but I think it also works with Apple products.

It's also really neat because I can tell it to record, it plays music (I can upload my own music or record my voice!), it has temp/humidity/air sensors (I will say that the temp always reads higher than what I think is correct) and I can hear whatever is going on. It also has night vision, which I think is pretty spiffy. It has good quality viewing, but you can adjust it to lower quality for data, slow loading time, etc.

I can also rotate it a good amount but it will not point straight down. The way it's made just doesn't allow it to do that. It's also big, bulky and obvious so if you're also looking for something subtle, I'd look elsewhere. You also need to have good WiFi because there's no separate device you can carry with you. Definitely not cheap, but we only have one in her nursery.

Also take this with a grain of salt because baby isn't here yet!!

We have the iBaby M6S and it is amazing. I highly recommend it! This thing has been a huge part of our sleep routine / training. It has a great camera, infrared, noise machine, temp sensor (used this a lot when our AC was on the fritz), and the remote access from any smartphone is a huge perk. We just flip out our phones to check on the baby.

iBaby Premium Baby Monitor M6S,Smart Wifi Enabled Total Baby Care System 1080p Wireless Infant Safety Camera Kit with Wi-Fi Speakers, Night Vision, 360° Pan, Air Quality Sensor, Motion & Sound Alerts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DQID38I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Js2WBbNSZRZGY

I've used this setup for about 4 years now:

They're not IP camera monitors, but the Angelcare monitors have a built in temperature sensor, complete with alerts for 'too hot' and 'too cold', which are user-adjustable. We've used these for the past 4 years and they've been great. $55 for that base model.

In our previous house the kid's rooms were frequently hotter or colder than we would have preferred due to restricted airflow in the ductwork and our thermostat being in an odd location. Eventually we had an HVAC company fix it but until then the temperature monitoring in our Angelcare monitor was very nice.

If you need a basic IP camera, get a cheap Foscam. Maybe $50-$60, wireless connections, easy to view from your phone or computer, from both inside your home network and remotely if you set up port-forwarding properly. Just make sure you change the default username and password. Most have two-way communication so you can talk to your kid through the camera using your phone, if you want. Even remotely. It's pretty neat.

Anchor all the things, even smaller, low dressers/bookcases. We used these straps on our TV (it's anchored to the TV stand instead of the wall, since that seemed sturdier to us) and a bunch of other things: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AKAGCOM/
If you can't screw into studs, make sure you use appropriately rated wall anchors/toggle bolts.

I love the outlet cover plates that automatically spring closed if something is unplugged. We have the new tamper-proof outlets in our kitchen and basement but I put the cover plates everywhere else. Bonus, they look nice/aren't obvious babyproofing. Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CHM3X4I/

I had a bunch of cabinets where regular safety latches wouldn't work, so I got these that attach with adhesive (which supposedly won't damage surfaces when removed): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155IEUUM/
These work around corners and in a lot of other situations others might not work well.

To allow our cats to get in/out of our basement while keeping the baby out, we have this thing called a Latch n Vent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BXSDQJE/

I always, always advocate using hardware-mounted gates instead of pressure mount. Patching a few screw holes in a couple years is way better than tripping over the bottom bar on a pressure mounted gate multiple times a day. We have two of these and I really like them - especially since they accommodate wider openings and give you a wider space to walk through, and are easy for an adult to open one-handed while holding a baby/toddler: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AUEJTE/

This is normal. One thing you can do is to play white noise or a loud fan while you two are sleeping. This has several benefits. First, it helps LO sleep better. It helps her transition through sleep cycles. It keeps her calm. Second, it helps you not hear every little grunt or sound, so you aren't so on edge. The grunts and sounds are normal, and aren't going away anytime soon. You'll still check on her a lot, but this might help you sleep a little better. Third, if you use a loud fan, this helps move air around the room, and fans are said to be a SIDS "reducer" or whatever (similar recommendation as to keeping the baby in your room, always putting her to sleep on her back on a firm, flat mattress with no blankets or soft toys in the crib, and using a pacifier).

Another option, which isn't actually recommended by the AAP, is to get a monitor like a Snuza, an Owlet, or an Angelcare Monitor. Again, these products generally aren't recommended by the AAP, and aren't "proven" to prevent SIDS, but they seem to get good reviews anecdotally.

Lastly, while what you have described sounds normal, if you feel yourself getting obsessive, extremely anxious, or having intrusive/obsessive thoughts, PLEASE bring them up with your OB. These are very common symptoms of PPD and PPA.

I'm using a Babysense video monitor, here's the link: Babysense Video Baby Monitor with Infrared Night Vision, Two Way Talk Back, Room Temperature, Lullabies, Long Range and High Capacity Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W55L51Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ABe5BbT8CDSRS

It does see pretty well in the dark, well enough to see if LO is awake or not. His eyes look really creepy through the night mode when they're open, but they will on any camera. You can press a button and talk to baby through the monitor, and also have it play soothing music if you want. So it does have some nice features for being under $100.

My biggest complaints about it are the range and connectivity. Our room (baby is still in with us) is in the basement, so the monitor doesn't work well when we're outside, you have to keep it close to the house. It would probably be better if we were on the same level. But it isn't a huge deal, I just turn the volume up and set it on a window sill or outdoor table close to the house and I can still hear him. And also if I'm on my cell phone near the monitor, it interferes with the signal. My cell phone is a Samsung Galaxy through Verizon, I don't know if a different brand or carrier would be more compatible with the monitor signal to not cause interference. A more expensive monitor probably wouldn't have those problems, but this has been good enough for our purposes.

These are great for cabinets ( maybe drawers too) that need something that's not visible WONDERKID Top Quality Adjustable Child Safety Locks - Latches to Baby Proof Cabinets & App... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0155IEUUM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_N0PTBb...

And these are great for keeping things closed where visibility isn't an issue. Roving Cove | Magnetic Cabinet Locks Child Safety | Safe Lock | Baby Proofing, Child Proof... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WN96RQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_-3PTBb...

Absolutely not, but I do suggest a harness/tether system or one of those tether backpacks for once they learn to walk but haven't learned to/are too short to hold your hand reliably. I'm pretty sure ours saved both our kids' lives a dozen times.

The X-pen I got for fencing mine indoors turned out to be too lightweight for other than temporary holding pen for my puppy. I gated off two rooms closest to the back door. You can get gates that are adjustable to a fairly wide range of opening, and get additional panels for making dividers. I got [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8JIO4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it's held up well. She hasn't been able to climb it because the slats are mostly vertical.

*adding-gating has definitely been helpful when I want her to have some freedom outside the crate but can't keep my eye trained on her every second. She'll pick up anything not nailed down in a split second. Right now everything in my house is up on something counter height and pushed to the back. Getting a Samoyed puppy is a great incentive to minimize clutter ; )

So you grab something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/GRY-6-Panel-Play-Gate/dp/B00004RA66/ref=sr_1_14?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1450284486&sr=1-14&keywords=baby+pen
You can buy extensions if its not long enough. Then you just zig zag it, and that could work. We had one for a short (maybe 2 month) period of time to keep the kid away from the fireplace/stereo etc. If one side isnt supported, you can cram a chair behind it so it doesnt flip over - but you'll be there watching them, so they wont go too crazy knocking it over. Without putting holes in the wall, this may be your only solution. As a plus, if its shaped into a giant arc or something, that also helps support it (except at the ends). It could definitely work.

https://www.amazon.com/iBaby-Monitor-M6S-Digital-Android/dp/B01DQID38I

We use this one and it has worked really well for us. We have really good wifi, though. It only has three stars and I think it's from reviewers that did not have good wifi from what I can gather. We like that it is viewable from our phones and is really clear. We can also communicate with him and we can hear any noises very well. There is also sound and movement notifications available. I was able to watch him go to bed while I was away on a business trip and that was a nice advantage.

We ended up cosleeping - it was so much better for me, because shoving a boob in Bub's face at 2 AM was waaayyy easier than going to get her. To be safe, we got a bedrail (https://www.amazon.com/Regalo-Swing-Extra-Bedrail-White/dp/B005EHNL3M/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499380630&sr=8-4&keywords=bed+rail) so that she wouldn't roll off, or get squished, and we slept with me in the middle facing her. We've recently switched to putting her crib against our bed like in that picture, which has been great - Bub can still get to me, but often sleeps in her area. I'm hoping it will make the transition to sleeping alone easier too, when we're ready.

The little plastic safety tabs like these are worth having on the fridge and certain cabinets/dresser drawers if you have a wild explorer like mine. Now he's 2.5 and loves to show us that he can open them, but it worked great for the almost 2 years that he's been mobile!

Maybe try those plastic covers for traditional door knobs. Not sure what your of shower / bath faucet you have but if it's two separate knobs they might work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GWJX4D/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_v8Q2Db00HVCQK

If you have the right type of faucet this might be a solution. Good luck!

I got [this gate] (https://www.chewy.com/mypet-petgate-essential-pressure-gate/dp/144955) and [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8JIO4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). The first gate I got for the top of the stairs, but haven't used it there yet. Tightens pretty well, but still can be knocked over. The second one I can't tighten too much because if I do, I can't get the door open or shut. I like the sound of the gate you have!

We were gifted this one, it had been used about a year and still works great. We live in a split level, I use it when baby is napping downstairs and I need to go do laundry or dishes upstairs. I have nothing to compare it to but it picks up her little sighs so I feel like it's pretty sensitive with good range.

We have a cheap chinese one too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06W55L51Q/ref=psdcmw_166870011_t1_B01CZUD4R8

It's worked super well for us and they have a great warranty if there are any problems. I was glad I didn't spend extra for a name brand.

Nah I saw one the other day, out of curiosity I did a quick Amazon search lol
Toddler Leash & Harness for Child Safety - Keep Kids & Babies Close - Padded Shoulder Straps for Children's Comfort - Fits Toddlers w/ Chest Size 14-25 Inches - Kid Keeper by Mommy's Helper (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OpwDDbBNREYSS

We've had to get some of these (this style, not this brand specifically). Bonus fun: watching grown ups who've never seen them before try to open your door lol.

We have a bed rail like this that we usually bring (ours comes apart into reasonably small pieces, not sure about this exact one), and I just sleep with our baby in between me and the rail, works out pretty well as long as you’re aware if they are moving around or try to crawl to the bottom of the bed!

Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Extra Long Bed Rail Guard, with Reinforced Anchor Safety System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHNL3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_276EDbWJAHT54

I highly recommend this gate: https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Close-Metal-White-MK0002-012/dp/B00DCR5EKE/ref=sr_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519632186&sr=8-14&keywords=baby+gates

My 3 year old can open it now. It is by far the easiest gate to open and close that I've found while still being super sturdy for the baby. Your older kids shouldn't have any issues opening and closing them.

We use a Wyze Cam along with a cheap audio monitor. The wyze app never lags out on me and the audio monitor is great for consistent sound so I can know if he’s crying and then check the video to look at him. Much cheaper than the baby-specific video cameras but works just as well.

Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera with Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Person Detection, Works with Alexa & the Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H3SRXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.g0NDbF2W9V0C

VTech DM111 Audio Baby Monitor with up to 1,000 ft of Range, 5-Level Sound Indicator, Digitized Transmission & Belt Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uZ0NDbVTWGAR8

We have the Levana Ayden for my first child and have been very happy with it. A lot of the features I thought we'd use, we don't, but the thing I love the most about this monitor is the quality of the picture even at night. We use a Dohms sound machine and it recognizes the sound it makes as background noise.

We purchased an Angelcare sound-only monitor recently, but I haven't decided if we will use it or the video monitor with the new babies.

Ugh baby gates! We are on our third one after breaking the cheap wooden and plastic ones we bought. This one has held up well so far!

Outlet covers are useless if your child figures out that it is fun to pry them out and chew on them. What a great toy! Perfect for choking 🙄 So I second the tamper resistant outlets.

Finally, depending on your cabinet hardware, these are nice because they don't require tools.

Our Motorola video couldn't even handle being across the house (we have a one story ranch) so I found out this VTech audio only has some of the best reception through walls. You could do something like a nest camera as well instead

Setup a playard like this (if you have hard floors setup a playmat as well within the gated area. This type of setup gives them lots of room to play):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NTY1HU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_eoiXCb43A4D11

Or use a playpen like this (I think this option is better for small spaces and/or you want to be able to move it from room to room easiest):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725JZ9KQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_vpiXCb5JR7RH8

We use a cheapo like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JEV5UI8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1) one. It picks up sound real well. And then we use a wifi security camera (D-link) focused on the crib. We already had the camera and just re-purposed it.

edit Our mantra has been "don't spend money on stuff that has limited usefulness"

Someone linked one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PY2RO9O/ref=twister_B006U7WFVE?th=1 Maybe that could work? I wish these weren't pastel, but I figured it still works better (and has a little play wall, gate, etc.)

I've had this model for almost two years now. I recommend it, as well!

Just as an FYI, when the battery starts die early despite having just been charged, the quick fix is to disconnect the battery for a couple minutes and then reconnect.

When that technique stops working, it's finally time to replace the battery. I've had good luck so far with an aftermarket battery that also has increased capacity.

We used a harness when my son was learning to walk, from about 9 to 18 months. But it was mostly to help him learn. He was falling quite a bit. It looked a bit like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=pd_bxgy_75_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q5BXFDFQ1K0QE0SB1K60

But I think at 18 months, your child might not accept it and you may have trouble getting her to wear it. However, she is now old enough for discussion. For example, I would try to speak to her before going to the shop:

"Do you want to come with me to the shop? Or do you want to stay home with Daddy? If you come to me, you have to stay in the shopping cart seat and behave. If you do not want to do that, you should stay home."

She might not get that completely at first. But slowly, such negotiations in advance should help to improve the situation.

https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Count-Door-Knob-Cover/dp/B007A2ZP6K/ref=pd_sim_75_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007A2ZP6K&pd_rd_r=GP3JXZH84EYC0RM2P4T2&pd_rd_w=wQhaJ&pd_rd_wg=1ljmV&psc=1&refRID=GP3JXZH84EYC0RM2P4T2

The round ones are super easy to use though....

we used this kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CEN62O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

with this gate https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA4IPB0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

if there is a big difference between where the stud is, you could get a thicker piece of wood to attach to the connector kit and attach it to the back side of the bannister (facing the hallway) rather than the side (facing into the staircase, how it is shown in the picture). This would effectively extend the area you have to get a gate in and match it up to the studs on the wall easier.

You can use an oversized shim on the base molding so that you can screw a mount to it.

We used something like this:
Summer Infant Retractable Gate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TI62Z9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hQKgzbWASQT5S

And it's been great. Plus it gives a little slack for mounting

Hi,

Mom here. We use the Nest and also this Philips AVENT audio monitor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E9RMHD8/ref=pd_aw_sim_75_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=M2A6TCN60A4J2MA9J8TM

We could probably just do the audio monitor but we like the ability to see what's going on at all times on our phones (is he stuck, did he roll over, did we lock the cat in the nursery by accident, etc).

Happy with both of our choices!

You mean like this? I see them all the time out on trails in popular areas.

Our top 5 gear:

Jenny Lind DaVinci crib

Jenny Lind DaVinci changing table

The Mobile is the Nursery Pink Floral Mobile from Simply Shabby Chic, bought at target. But I just looked and I don’t think they sell them anymore )=

Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor

The rocking chair I found on sale for $100 at our local Fred Meyer

I was just disabled for about 3 weeks and our neighbor loaned us a baby monitor. They are very reasonable. It had a camera and a microphone so my wife could peek in on me. It didn't have the best picture but it was good enough.
If you can live with sound only there is one on Amazon for about $18. The parent unit is portable so you can take it from the bedroom to the kitchen for example.
https://www.amazon.com/VTech-DM111-Digital-Monitor-Parent/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1501688954&sr=1-4&keywords=baby%2Bmonitor&th=1

Here is my setup. We have a very similar staircase: https://m.imgur.com/gallery/tI2sKii

We used these products:
Evenflo Top of The Stair Extra... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XNDS45?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Safety Innovations No Hole... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CEN62O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


ETA: we don’t have the handrail, but from your picture, it appears that you could fit this gate righttttt up against the handrail.

Something like this? They don’t attach to the header or footer, though
Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Extra Long Bed Rail Guard, with Reinforced Anchor Safety System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHNL3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XHZuDbXZPWAPK

I've heard the doorknob blockers used for wandering children, most with disabilities work really well.

Stuff like that.

I use
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Gate and Play Yard, 2-In-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VNKLIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_vrMhtIz8RkImt

Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate, Hardwood and Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L8JIO4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_yqigGEmp22Que

Evenflo Position and Lock Tall Pressure Mount Wood Gate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055LV3XW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It all depends on your dog. It may work, it may not, I can lay a small fence resting on the bottom steps of a stairwell and my dog won't come up

North State SuperYard XT Gate https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00004RA66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nPPKBbPMD527S

I have this and you can add to it to make it bigger. Works great for a large living room.

Child Safety Strap Locks:

https://www.amazon.com/Cabinets-Drawers-Dishwasher-Adhesive-Drilling/dp/B072KPZMMV

If it can keep a curious 2 year old human out of a garbage can, I'll bet it can keep a dog out, too.

Probably one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Easy-Close-Metal-Safety-White/dp/B00DCR5EKE/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1481585879&sr=1-11&keywords=baby+gate

You can install it on both sides of the wall in the middle of the top stair, high enough so it swings out above the top stair.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Corsair+Void+Pro+RGB+Battery+Replacement/123219

https://www.reddit.com/r/Corsair/comments/ayamir/battery_replacement_for_corsair_void_headset/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CJM52Q

Looks like this 1800 mAh would fit as well.

You want that specific battery or one that is the same as the original?
Original mAh

https://www.amazon.com/d/Household-Batteries/Ofeely-1000mah-Lithium-Polymer-Rechargeable/B016ZV8TFA
Or search 3.7V 1000Mah LiPo

Pictured mAh
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CJM52Q
Or do a search for model: 3.7V 1500Mah 504050

 

Yep, those are great. I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PY2RO9O/ref=twister_B006U7WFVE?th=1 because we have an open floor plan and I can't baby gate across a 20 foot span. The only downside is now that our little one is almost a year old he doesn't like being in it for very long. Wants to explore further.

Mommy's Helper Don't think it's what the Stones were singing about... our baby is the cutest.

Get the door knob safety locks: Door Knob Covers - 4 Pack - Child Safety Solution - Child Proof Doors by Jool Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GWJX4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-jRYzb6R34CMN

Don't tell him about them and when he tries doing it but can't, yell out "suckerrrrrr!"

When I was little, we had these plastic things over the doorknobs, to keep littluns out of the dining room. They worked by squeezing, or by placing your thumb on the actual knob. Hard for a kid to figure out (they just spin over the knob if you try to open it normally), but easy enough by the time I was old enough to be allowed in there.

Sort of like this: http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Count-Door-Knob-Cover/dp/B007A2ZP6K/ref=pd_tcs_subst_ba_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=06GY0CDQ6P2M8SS2N7CC

Here’s the one I have. It’s on the cheaper end but works fine for us. The dots at the top of the monitor are sound indicators.
monitor

This is probably not unique to our baby monitor, but ours has visual feedback (blue lights indicating how loud it is in the baby's room), and also it vibrates when it detects a cry (not once but every few seconds when there is crying). It's quite accurate in detecting. It also tells you on the screen whether the lullaby music is playing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E9RMHD8/pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

It's not a video monitor which many people seem to use these days (we find it a bit over the top for us), but if you do want video then hopefully there is one with these features.

Doorknob protector. Make sure that everything in his room is super baby proofed--don't forget to anchor all bureaus, dressers, shelves, everything--and then put a doorknob protector on the inside doorknob. If he gets out of bed, he gets out of bed, but you can sleep soundly knowing that he is safe. My kid got out of bed the first few nights and I actually found him asleep on the carpet surrounded by cars a couple times. Eventually he would just throw himself back in bed when he got tired, and from there he started staying all night. This is the one we use: https://www.amazon.com/Door-Knob-Covers-Child-Safety/dp/B071GWJX4D

Battery used was. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071CJM52Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . All I did was remove the cable end pin from the battery and attached it to the head of the original battery pin head. You don't have to worry about using the middle wire. All you need is red (+) wire and black (-) wire.

Summer Infant Retractable Gate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TI62Z9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_f.OWAb4FPS139

Our friends have a staircase very similar to yours. They put the Main part on the banister with zip ties and a small piece of board.

ah ok! I figured you still had it.

what about a gate like this then?

the pup might want to chew on it but spraying it with bitter apple should help.

You have a few options to go with either the pressure or screwed-in gates. I'm not endorsing any of the following items, so you need to look to see what may work best for you. They are provided for reference.

https://smile.amazon.com/Safety-Innovations-GM5-Stairway-Mountiong/dp/B004CEN62O/

https://smile.amazon.com/Y-Spindle-Banister-Adapters-Pressure-Mounted/dp/B07L2PVT6D/

Our entertainment center has a baby gate around it. Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/North-States-Superyard-Indoor-Outdoor-8-Panel/dp/B00PY2RO9O

Child safety straps for fridge

It's easier to spend the 5$ on the handle covers though.

Get one of those baby corral things that are 6 or so pieces on hinges, and then put that in front of your TV. I put a couple of eye screws into the halfwall on the right to anchor that side, and what's not shown in the picture on the left is a coffee/side table thing where I anchored the other side. Older/taller kids like my three year old can reach over the gate and touch the TV, but they can't get into the components underneath while the holes in the gate allow IR in and heat out.

I would also recommend a baby monitor, specifically this one. My kids are upstairs and on the other end of my house. The monitor works as a walkie talky on the handset, and if something should happen and she can't get to a walkie talkie, it will pick up her voice.

I used these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CEN62O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_G88Vub0ES4TK3

They basically clamp around your round or square posts and provide a surface to screw in a hardware-mount gate (like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006UMUB92/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_na9Vub02GH9CV). I found them to be extremely sturdy and relatively easy to install.

Like this https://www.amazon.com/Cabinets-Drawers-Dishwasher-Adhesive-Drilling/dp/B072KPZMMV

I have an old house with baseboards and rails (and some door frames that aren't square), and we have actually been okay using those cheap $10 wooden gates with blocks of wood at the top. But if you don't mind spending a little extra, the gates with adjustable screw holders (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DCR5EKE/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1415570071&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70) work well too. This munchkin gate actually doesn't even latch until you install it properly.

You could also do one of those door knob covers that make it hard for little hands to turn the knob

Door Knob Covers - 4 Pack - Child Safety Cover - Child Proof Doors by Jool Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GWJX4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PwiNDb9FYXH26

Door knob covers worked really well for us if you have the right type of knob.

@OP I don't recommend the Owlet from a simple peace of mind perspective. I got one... there were a ton of false positives and alarms. As a new parent, I was paranoid enough, didn't need the false alarms.

See the reviews here - https://www.amazon.com/Owlet-Smart-Sock-Baby-Monitor/product-reviews/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

I got something like this and I think it's several inches taller than the rails that come with the crib, though I'm not sure because I didn't buy that piece. I got the shortest length one that BRU had and it still nearly went from end to end on the crib.

We have a Babysense monitor, it has all of those above features, plus a function to speak through your monitor into the room with the camera. It's worked well, plus it's relatively affordable compared to others on the market.

First, I'd put away any of your fragile and expensive collectibles. Put them on a high shelf or see if you can keep them at a trusted friend's house.

Try to get a latch for your door or a door knob cover.

As far as babysitting, if you just do a crappy job, they won't ask you to do it (hopefully). If they leave you with them, call the parents constantly and ask dumb questions about childcare.

• "What do you mean I'm supposed to put a clean diaper on the baby instead of leaving it naked in the crib?"
  
  
• "What do you mean the small kid wasn't supposed to have candy for dinner?"
  
  
• "What do you mean I wasn't supposed to invite over my friend with a criminal record?"
  
  Better yet, leave the house as soon as the parents start heading for the door.

Not sure about wifi ones... but search in Amazon for “ baby monitor audio only”

This one is similar to one we used years ago


VTech DM111 Audio Baby Monitor with up to 1,000 ft of Range, 5-Level Sound Indicator, Digitized Transmission & Belt Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_abi0Cb7352HE

If you have round door knobs, use the clamshell guards like this.

Then wrap them with a layer of this.

That will make it so you need an adult amount of pressure to open the doors.

Summer Infant Retractable Gate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TI62Z9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_.sDmzbW157G5B

This is the one we have. It can only be screwed into the wall, however. The ease of allowing our child to open it himself or having the ability to not let him open it has far surpassed the necessity to putty the walls when we are done with it.

This is basically the go-to babyproofing method for door knobs:http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Count-Door-Knob-Cover/dp/B007A2ZP6K

Or just get one of these.

1. Install a stripper pole
   
2. Get one of these and tether it to pole

they make various types of mounting kits that might work... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CEN62O?

Is this purely for a hobby / learning purpose?

If not: https://www.amazon.com/VTech-DM111-Digital-Monitor-Parent/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499204661&sr=8-4&keywords=baby%2Bmonitor&th=1

People put their kids on leashes all [the time.] (https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=lp_2237486011_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496090567&sr=1-2&th=1)

Plenty.

http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=zg_bs_2237486011_9

How about doorknob covers?:

https://www.amazon.com/Door-Knob-Covers-Child-Safety/dp/B071GWJX4D

or this 54 inches long by 20 inches high

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EHNL3M/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bBIB23_c_x_2_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=8EZAEFR8EAZKDM0HNKDQ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=8c5aa9a2-38f7-590d-a3f5-d7ae34e112ca&pf_rd_i=166872011

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00081L2SU/ref=zg_bs_2237486011_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C3QS2YRZFT1JJZPP6768

They've been hard at work over at the occulus labs and they finally have a product to address this. Amazon Link

1. Snap on a baby-proof door knob cover. They're sold any place baby supplies are sold (K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.).
   
   or...
   
   
2. Install a locking doorknob in reverse, so it locks from the outside. Use the kind that unlocks by simply turning the knob from the outside. This bothers some parents, but you'll eventually stop locking your kid inside and eventually replace the doorknob with a non-locking one as your kid grows. As a safety measure, hang the back-up unlocking pin someplace high up on the inside of the room in case a parent somehow accidentally locks himself in the room.
   
   Install a gate at the top of the stairs. Be exceptionally watchful so that you know beforehand when she's getting mature enough to defeat the gate.
   

This is the closest I can find. Not sure if it’s exactly what your looking for. But not sure what your actually looking for is a thing yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h3C1DbAQH12ZA

Here's the thing about parenting that no one likes to admit or talk about - parenting is full of near misses and mistakes, full of things you meant to get around to and just forgot.

My dad nearly ran me over in his Bronco when I was twelve (we had just gotten home from camping -he was tired & forgotten that he had asked me to untie the kayak where we had secured it under the front bumper). He got in the SUV to move it from the yard to the garage - if I hadn't yelled (not enough time to move out of the way) & he hadn't heard me then I could have been really hurt. My dad felt bad about it for weeks & kept apologizing to me, even though nothing happened.

When my daughter was two my ex and I were visiting some friends. They heated their house with a wood stove that was surrounded by this accordion gate thing (like this). They didn't have any children, the gate was meant to keep their puppy away. My daughter got behind the gate & our friends mom saw her and snatched her away just as she was reaching for the stove. Just in time, but not quick enough - my daughter got a small burn on her hand. I took her to the doctor because I was terrified of it being a second or third degree burn (I was twenty & a very anxious first-time parent). The pediatrician gave me a pat on the back and instructions to just put neosporin and a bandaid on it. I still felt crushing guilt for weeks any time I saw that pink shiny mark on her little hand.

Secure the shelf & anything else the little mountain climber might have eyes on. Hold your little girl and be profoundly grateful for what you have. Kiss your wife and appreciate the she-warrior that snatched your daughter from harm. Remember - all of you are okay. You just got a very scary glimpse into another reality where you aren't. Take a breath, learn and move on. The fact that you're feeling this much remorse speaks to the kind of parent you are.

I bought three of these: https://www.amazon.com/VTech-DM111-Digital-Monitor-Parent/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=1D5J7VN0Y0G0HSF94JWQ&th=1

Basically I learned about DECT 6.0 and the white papers behind them mention the encryption standard. I have no interference issues and they are reliable.

Also! I forgot about this one, if money had been no object, I remember I wanted the Owlet a little different, it tracks heartbeat and oxygen instead of being a visual monitor.

Oh shoot.

No biggie - I'm actually planning on getting the swing-y door kind. That way I don't have to step over it or take it down. Because I really am THAT lazy xD

http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-10101-Kid-Keeper/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_1_2
walking with your child's hand stretched over its head, hand firmly clasped in yours, leads to sprains and dislocations. Adults always underestimate their own strength and the softness of of kids ligaments, especially in times of stress or danger. Even the leashes that attaches to the kid's wrist is a bad idea. Around the time they hit the terrible twos, and your usually tractable child turns into a monster, you will wish you had this.

Difficult right?

I mean I totally get letting your child destroy a priceless and irreparable thing because stopping them is just so damn hard, and expensive too. I mean a whole SEVEN. DOLLARS.?!? Way too rich for my blood.

> If it was two little human kids with leashes people would go crazy and the police would be called.

Um. I'm guessing you're not from America? That's a thing here...

They sell them on Amazon. Only $7.53, what a deal!

No idea if it’s available at Walmart, but we purchased the Babysense Video monitor on amazon for $75. It has all the features you’re looking for. We’ve been using it for 6 weeks now and have no complaints!

Babysense Video Baby Monitor with LCD Display, Digital Camera, Infrared Night Vision, Two Way Talk Back, Temperature Monitoring, Lullabies, Long Range and High Capacity Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W55L51Q?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

My kid was like this at some points, and at other stages he would sedately hold my hand and stay by me with no problem. I'm just gonna tell you that some kids are completely insane and do whatever they want sometimes with no warning. It is totally mind-boggling how they switch back and forth as they grow.

My only way of making sure my kid didn't get snatched by a stranger, fall into the shark exhibit at the aquarium (almost happened to my friend's kid while I was right there!), or get creamed by a car was a kid leash.

Basic for $9

Cute Giraffe for $18

This is a bedrail. No frame needed, and nothing for limbs to get trapped in.


Regalo Baby 2220 Swing Down Extra Long Bedrail (White) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005EHNL3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i62ZBb4K0M3TB

That is the problem to me with this type of baby monitor. There are so many options that it is too easy to screw up. Should your husband have gotten it right, sure. But people aren't perfect.

Do yourself a favor and buy a cheap audio only basic baby monitor and leave it on with the monitor in your bedroom. This lets you continue to use the nice one with all the features but if there is a screwup no one gets harmed.

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-DM111-Digital-Monitor-Parent/dp/B00JEV5UI8/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484603659&sr=8-4&keywords=baby+monitor