Whether you have a new baby on the way, or you have just become a grandparent, it may be time to childproof your home. Where should you begin? Before your become overwhelmed, read over these tips. Small things can make a big difference when you are childproofing your home.
Use outlet covers or caps to prevent infants and young children from sticking objects into electrical outlets, and receiving a bad shock. Plastic caps have been used for many years, but might not be especially safe if the electrical wiring in the house has a problem. Another option is to purchase tamper proof outlets that cover an outlet entirely.
Use thick foam to cover the corners of tables. This will help prevent serious injury if a small child should run directly into the edge of the table. Corners can be sharp, and may be at eye level for toddlers.
Child safety locks can be placed on cabinets to prevent children from opening them. Put one on the cabinet under the sink that holds household cleaners and chemicals. Place all medications, including those with childproof caps, into a cabinet that is too high for children to easily reach, and put a safety lock on it as well. Young children explore their world by tasting things. Make sure they cannot eat these poisons.
Safety gates can be used block stairs, or in the doorways of rooms that have a step down into them. This prevents children from injuries resulting from falls down stairs. Keep in mind that children in wheeled walkers can move very quickly, even though they haven’t learned to run yet.
Make sure all windows have screens. There have been tragic stories in the news about infants that have fallen out open windows that were not blocked by a screen. Windows that have blinds can be dangerous, because children may play with the cord on the blind, and strangle. There are products you can purchase that will wind up the cord in a way that prevents children from getting at them.
If your home has a fireplace, place protective foam on the hearth. Foam can prevent infants and children from nasty bumps and bruises caused by falling on the hearth.
Stove knobs are dangerous because small children can reach up and unintentionally turn the stove on. Removing the knobs, or covering the knobs with a plastic protector can prevent this danger.