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HVParent.com Q Hudson Valley Parent 17 furniture surfaces and floors for small objects, coins and anything else that could be dangerous. I'm also constantly on the lookout for new safety products on the market. Think outside the box When it comes to babyproofing, don't stop with the larger features of your home. Sometimes the things you never thought could possibly pose a threat can be highly dangerous to little ones. Here are some interesting things I never thought could be dangerous to little ones. A purse. Most women carry dangerous items such as medicines, lotions, nail scissors and small objects in their purse. These items can pose a major threat to curious tots. The diaper bag. Like mom's purse, diaper bags often contain tubes of lotions, wipes and other items that should not go into little mouths. The laundry room. Think about it, all the detergents, chemicals, heavy equipment, not to mention the hot iron! The family pet. Introducing a pet to an active baby is a topic worthy of a book. Both the dog and the toddler need training! The garage. That's an area that can be full of hazards, including chemicals, tools, and unstable shelves. Children do have a tendency to get into places one doesn't expect them to, so childproof your garage, too. The backyard. Check the yard for equipment with sharp edges or splinters. Kim Ellis is a writer, teacher, mother, and grandmother. She lives with her husband in Ulster County. 10 tips to keep your baby safe 1. Put floor lamps behind furniture and out of reach. Small children often mistake floor lamps and furniture for jungle gyms! 2. Remove rugs with fringes or loose threads. These strands of fabric pose a choking hazard to your child. 3. Put bumpers on table corners. Children love using tables to help them stand, but the sharp edges spell trouble for a wobbly tot. 4. Unplug small appliances. Keep cords wound up away from counter edges. Dangling wires scream, "pull me, pull me!" 5. Latch the dishwasher door. Chemical residue breeds here. Keep the door latched tightly so little hands cannot get inside. 6. Hide houseplants from curious kids. Several common house plants can be poisonous if ingested. 7. Use grip and twist childproof doorknobs. Put these on bathroom doors to keep them off limits to children. Bathrooms are extremely hazardous, from the medicine cabinet to running water. 8. Keep windows closed. If windows must be opened, open no more than four inches. 9. Anchor furniture. Anchoring will prevent furniture from toppling down onto your baby. 10. Post emergency numbers. Keep these numbers by all the telephones and be sure to include Poison Control, your pediatrician and the hospital.