Childproofing your home is a proven way to reduce the number of accidents and injuries your children experience. Here are some simple steps to get you started.
One of the things about which all parents of children should be most concerned is their safety. We are all familiar with car seats, which have saved countless numbers of children's lives. But did you know that the most likely place for a childhood injury to occur is at home? Some simple precautions, which should ideally take place before your baby is even born, can help to prevent both common and serious injuries in your home. But don't worry if your child is already here, for it is never too late to institute some or all of the following childproofing steps.
The best way to begin childproofing your home is literally to stoop to the level of your child. Get down on your hands and knees, and see the world from your baby's perspective. What may seem like innocent household objects from your normal point of view can suddenly look like dangerous traps for curious little ones. Keep your child's viewpoint in mind as you make the environment safer room by room.
The first steps in your path to childproofing will take place throughout the house.
1. Cover all of your electrical outlets with caps or shields made specifically for this purpose.
2. Put away those objects that are breakable or could easily hurt your child. If you must have them displayed or easily available, put them on a high shelf or display cabinet.
3. Make sure your windows cannot be opened more than six inches. There are window guards that can be purchased at most discount and hardware stores.
4. Check all of your furniture pieces to see if they pass the "pull-over" test. You would be amazed how easily a large piece of furniture can be tipped over when a drawer is left open, or if its design is particularly top-heavy.
5. Cushion any sharp edges (like on tables) with a heavy blanket, or with thick foam pads made just for this reason.
6. Keep electrical cords tucked away out of your child's reach. There are shields available to place over plugged-in cords.
7. Judiciously use baby gates. You don't want to keep your curious child out of every room, but there may be places, like staircases, that need to be blocked.
8. Move houseplants out of reach. Many of them are poisonous.
9. Never leave your child alone with your pets, no matter how gentle they may be. Baby's movements are often unpredictable, and can frighten animals.
10. If you have blinds or draperies with loose ties, knot the ties and place them out of reach.
The kitchen is quite possibly the most potentially dangerous room in the home (for both you and your child.) The following are must-do's for childproofing here.
1. Keep all knives and other sharp utensils off of the counter where little hands can easily reach them. Store them in an upper
cabinet, or in a locked drawer.
2. If you have a stove or oven with reachable knobs, remove them, so your child cannot turn on the appliance.
3. Place latches on all cabinets and drawers that are at your child's level. Put all cleaning supplies, detergents, and household chemicals in a high cabinet or on a shelf.
4. Of course, always keep a fire extinguisher handy for the safety of your entire family.
Another potentially dangerous room in the home is your bathroom. Follow these steps, and you will reduce the chances for accidents here.
1. Install a latch on your toilet lid. The toilet is a very fascinating place for babies, but the little bit of water here is enough to drown them, should they fall in.
2. Securely lock all medications and first aid items.
3. Make sure your hot water heater is not set for a temperature any higher than 120 degrees F. You don't want to accidentally burn your child's skin.
4. Never leave your child to bathe alone. It is too easy to slip in the water. Supervision is very important.
It is impossible to anticipate and remove every potential danger in your home. But you can make your environment safer by following the above suggestions. As you are making your way around the house, you will probably see problems that are unique to your own home. Take care of these as well.
Childproofing your house is a sensible way to increase the safety quotient in your house. It is a proven method for reducing the occurrence of accidents and injuries. Look in your discount or baby stores for handy aids to help you in your task. Your baby may not appreciate your efforts now, but fewer accidents will improve his disposition, and your peace of mind as well.
