Childproofing Basics For Your Home
Childproofing basics your home will help prevent accidental injuries to new movers, active toddlers, and curious preschoolers, so exploring can be fun and adventure filled.
This is a job for mom & dad
When talking with parents about childproofing, we always suggest getting down on your knees, seeing things from the level of your little explorer will give a new perspective to things that look ordinary from an adult height, that are actually exciting and dangerous when at kid level.
Keep these in mind when childproofing:
– Outlet plugs and sliding outlet covers for outlets lower than counter height
– Corner protectors, foam and silicone styles for sharp edges at child height
– Furniture tethers for dressers, TVs, and bookshelves
– Cabinet door locks, for cabinets that contain poisons and other dangers
– Drawer latches to keep knives and sharp objects out of curious hands
– Blind cords out of reach
– Mounted gates at the top and bottom of stairs, pressure gates don’t offer enough support.
Remember these safety tips:
– No dish towels on the oven door handle
– Keep all items 6 inches away from the edge of counter and tables
– Anything that can fit inside a toilet paper roll should be kept out of reach
– Move the crib mattress to the lowest level as soon as the baby is starting to sit up
– Turn all pot handles in and use back burners when possible
– Keep all poisons, including vitamins, medications and cleaning products in a locked cupboard
– Put your hot beverage in a travel mug, preventing accidental burns, while home and on the go
– Have a fire extinguisher on every floor, including the master bedroom
– Change smoke and CO2 detectors every 6 months.
Children are curious
Children get into everything. It’s part of their natural development to be curious, and that’s a good thing. Providing a safe environment to do so is key.
Children will get into things we don’t want them to, that’s a given, they need to explore to learn and grow, but giving them a safe space to do so is paramount.
While the above is a great base for keeping kids safe, parents need to supervise and recognize other dangers that might be lurking in the home.
STAY SAFE!
Sharalyn, co-owner of The Car Seat Maven, is a Children’s Restraint Systems Technician-Instructor, certified by CPSAC. She has taken additional training in transport of children with special health care needs and works closely with the POM community.
