Let’s take the guess work out childproofing your home. It is difficult enough to try and figure out all the things that are best for your child, childproofing should be easy.
The best way to confront the task is to look at your house from your child’s point of view. Literally! This means getting down to their level and moving through your home to notice all the things that they will see. You will be alarmed at all the low lying hazards and troubles that are staring our children right in the face.
Beyond that, arming your home with some of the basics will get you started in the right direction. You may be wondering- what are the basics? This list is a comprehensive and easy list of the must have components you must have in your home to ensure your child’s safety!
The Must-Have Childproofing Basics
- Outlet Covers and cord wranglers to keep electrical cords out of sight and neatly wrapped up to avoid hazards.
- Cabinet and drawer locks on all cabinets and drawers that your child can reach. Place toxic substances up high and locked away!
- Toilet Seat Lock to prevent accidental drowning (among other things.)
- Stove locks and knob covers to ensure little hands don’t turn it on.
- Remove all sharp and breakable objects.
- Window locks on EVERY window that poses the threat of a child climbing to. Many kids each year fall out of windows.
- Crib, car seat, stroller, high chair and other items that adhere to current JPMA safety guidelines. Check for recalls often and replace worn parts immediately or purchase new equipment. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Non slip adhesives in the tub and shower, make sure bathroom rugs have non-slip backings. Don’t place throw rugs at the tops of stairs.
- Safety gates to repel kids from getting into hazardous areas. Always make sure you don’t use a spring tension gate at the top of stairs. Instead, purchase an installed gate.
- Make sure bathroom outlets have switch plate covers.
- Set water heater to 120 degrees or install ant-scald devices.
- Use baby monitors for sleeping infants.
- Use childproofing devices on draperies, mini-blinds or shades that have string to prevent accidental strangulation.
- Fire, smoke and CO2 detectors – installed & properly working.
- Cover sharp edges on furniture and countertops to prevent head injuries.
- If you have a fireplace, cover the mantel piece and use safety glass to prevent hot ash and soot from burning your child. Keep fire equipment out of reach.
- Any portable fans or space heaters should be avoided if possible. If you must use them, keep them where little fingers can not reach them.
- Use L brackets to affix heavy furniture to the wall – drawer locks on dressers so they won’t be pulled over on top of them. Check the toy box to make sure it stays open and install protector hardware on it if possible.
- Check all your outdoor decking and slats to make sure they don’t pose entrapment hazards.
This child proofing checklist is short and easy to implement for every homeowner. All of these areas can be take care of in less than a day. There really is no excuse to allow your child to be hurt. Most of the products for childproofing your home are inexpensive and simple to use and install. Once you get the basics – take a more thorough look at your home and make all modifications necessary to make safety a #1 priority.
See Also:
101 Child Safety and Childproofing Tips for Parents
Offline Parent Versus Online Predator
Internet Safety for Kids: Does Your Kid Make These Mistakes?