Create your kiddo's "yes space"

We are really big on giving baby girl as much room to be herself as we possibly can.  Which means we have set up our whole house as a "yes space".  This is not realistic for some families, but for us it works. 

What is a "yes space"?  Simply put it is an area of your room/house where everything is baby proofed.  It is one area where your child can explore without limits.  It may just be a corner you mark off with a gate or it may be, like us, your entire house.  Whatever space you have that you can dedicate to being a space for free exploration and expression. 

One of the things we made a point to do when we moved was to create as much yes space as possible for baby girl.  We knew we would be here a while and we needed her to be able to explore her house.  This is just as much her house as my house or my husband's house.  She needed to give as much free reign as possible.  So that's exactly what we did.

While waiting for furniture and such, we went around the house and put in outlet covers and started taking notes for things like gates.  We knew we needed a dog safe space, a fire safe space (the fireplace) and something over the stairs.  Those were the priority, and so we did just that. 

Gate over the steps.  Easy way to create a yes space!

After checking out those, we went upstairs.  This was a little easier when she couldn't open doors.  We could just close off doors to rooms she wasn't allowed to be in.  We also made sure the nursery and her "big kid" room were absolutely perfect and safe for her.  This was work, but so much fun. 

So the basics to creating a safe space are easy! 

1. Get down on the kids level.  Crawl around or walk on your knees.  See things from his perspective.  Think about all the cool things you are seeing for the first time and make sure they are safe.
2. Gate off areas where you kiddo cannot go.  Or things they cannot touch.  We have the fireplace gated off and the dogs room.  Both are prime examples of things she doesn't need to get into.
3. Gate off stairs.  I understand, it's important to teach them to navigate the stairs.  But the point of the yes space is to give them an area where they can explore alone, without your intervention.  Make them safe.
4. Make sure furniture cannot fall on them.  Please please please!  If it's tall, mount it to the wall.  Take no chances.  
5. Make sure all toys or materials in the yes space are safe for baby to gum or toddler to put in their mouth.  The general rule is if it can fit through a paper towel roll or a toilet paper roll it can fit down baby's throat. 
6. Observe baby or toddler the first few times.  Make sure you are super attentive to what they touch and what they do.  See if you missed anything. 
7. Give them the freedom of the yes space!  You did it!   

As she's gotten older, and more capable to listen to "no baby, don't touch that" we try not to worry so much.  Her humidifier, for example, is very much within her reach.  She turns it on every night before bed, it's part of her routine.  We wouldn't have let her do that at 12 months, but at 22 months, she's perfectly capable and we know it is safe. 

Puppy dogs safe space from baby, also gated off!

Which brings me to my next point.  Yes spaces are constantly changing and evolving with your kiddo.  6 months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of having small toys on her shelf.  Now I feel more comfortable allowing her some smaller things, not too many, but she's not longer putting everything in her mouth.  As she gets older, things will continue to change.  If we add other children into our family, depending on their ages, things will change again.  Nothing is set in stone or permanent. 

Creating a yes space for your kid can do wonders for their self confidence and ability to self entertain.  Not having to constantly stand over them, making sure they don't get into something harmful, gives you peace of mind and the ability to go pee on your own.  Two very important things! 

I'd love to hear about your yes spaces!  Leave a comment and let me know!