There are so many things to think about when you discover that you're becoming a parent. Plans need to be made, nurseries need to be designed and lots of shopping is to be done.

One of the most important tasks that need to be done is sometimes the one thing that many parents find themselves overlooking. That task is to begin baby proofing your house and anyplace else that your baby may be spending a considerable amount of time.

When your baby first enters the world, chances are that he/she won't be moving around too much for the first few months. Baby proofing doesn't have to be in place for when the baby first arrives home, but it is something that you can certainly start ahead of time.

Even as a newborn, there are lots of dangers to your baby lurking inside of your home. While they might not be looking to stick their fingers into outlets quite yet, they may be able to wiggle right off of the changing table.

Getting a changing table that has safety precautions for cases like that is something you can do to protect your baby. If you have a changing table that doesn't have sides on it to prevent accidents, don't leave your baby's side. Sometimes, it is safer to change them on a blanket on the floor to ensure nothing bad occurs.

Pets can pose a problem to babies as well. When our first child was born we had three dogs, a bird and a rabbit. None of them ever posed a danger to the baby, but not all dogs are so easy going and gentle. It is best not to take chances and to baby proof against pets.

Many pediatricians recommend putting some type of door on the nursery that will keep any pets out. A screen door that will allow the room to get light and air but not allow pets access is an excellent means of baby proofing against nosy pets.

Of course, as your baby grows and becomes mobile, have the outlet covers ready. Don't allow freestanding fans to be on the floor where tiny fingers could reach through the grid.

Push any and all breakable items back from edges of tables or counters for babies to get their hands on. Baby proofing also means putting safety tabs on cupboard doors that may have anything inside of them that they should not be finding. Never allow children to have access to harmful chemicals or cleaners.

Baby proofing doesn't have to mean rearranging your entire house. However, when you choose to bring a baby into the world, you have to adjust your world in many ways.

One well respected pediatrician told parents to crawl around their homes, seeing what is and is not within reach. While it may sound silly, seeing the house from a different view could actually bring things to your attention that would have been overlooked. It is an excellent way to approach baby proofing.