A guide to making your home safe for your child.
Just when you think you have everything out of your child's reach, she will surprise you by getting into something new. Use this handy checklist to help childproof your home.
Poisons
- Medicines - All medicines, vitamins, and even herbal supplements should be kept out of a child's reach and in child resistant containers. Remember, though, that no container is truly childproof.
- Cleaning Supplies/Chemicals - Interestingly enough, many of us keep cleaning supplies and other household chemicals in a cabinet beneath the sink - well in reach of a child. Move these toxic supplies if possible, or install childproof cabinet locks to keep your child out.
- Foods - We usually don't consider food to be a hazard in the home but if your child has a food allergy, it can be dangerous and even deadly. If possible, keep the offending food out of your house entirely. Otherwise, install cabinet locks on food cabinets and door knob guards on pantry doors.
Water Hazards
- Pools - Pools are an obvious hazard but still bear mentioning. Hundreds of children drown in pools each year in tragic accidents that could be avoided. The best protection is to never leave a child unattended near water. Additionally, any entranceways leading to a pool area should be secured with locks that are too high for a child to reach.
- Buckets - A small child can drown in just a few inches of water. Children are also more top heavy than adults and can easily topple into a bucket or similar container and be unable to get themselves out. Never leave buckets of water sitting unattended or for any length of time.
- Toilets - This is one that many of us never think of. But in the same way a child can topple into a bucket and drown, he can also topple into a toilet. Install special toilet lid locks on all toilets and instruct everyone in the house to use them.
- Bathtub - Children should never be left unattended while in the bathtub. In addition to the danger of drowning, children can also slip and fall, resulting in serious injury.
Gas/Electric Hazards
- Heaters - If your home is heated with a floor furnace, radiator, or space heaters, you must always supervise your child to be sure he doesn't touch the grates or the casings, which could cause burns.
- Stoves - Not only can a child burn himself on the stove, but he could also start a fire. Install knob guards to prevent accident and injury.
- Outlets - The temptation to insert something into an electrical outlet is almost too much for some children to bear. Simple outlet covers can prevent a child's curiosity from becoming deadly.
Falling Objects
- Furniture - Furniture, particularly tall pieces such as bookcases, dressers, and china cabinets will easily tip over if a child attempts to climb on them. Secure such items to the floor or walls to prevent them from falling.
- Dangling Cords - From televisions to Crock Pots, there are many items around the house that have electrical cords. Never leave these cords dangling from a shelf, counter, or other elevated surface. A child can pull the cord and bring the appliance down on himself.
Around the House
- Smoke Detectors - There is absolutely no excuse not to have smoke detectors in your home. They are inexpensive, easily obtainable, and can save your life. Be sure to test them at least once every three months and replace the battery at least once every six months.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Though not as obvious as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors are an important safeguard, as well. Carbon monoxide can poison you and your family without warning. The detectors are similar in appearance to smoke detectors and can cost as little as $10.
- Door Knob Guards - These handy plastic knob covers will help to keep your child in the house yet out of rooms or spaces that aren't safe for him.
- Cabinet Locks - Install these locks on all of your cabinets to insure your child can't get to anything unsafe. Using them on all of your cabinets will also keep you in the habit of securing them each time you close a cabinet door.
The copyright of the article Childproof Your Home in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Teresa Simpson. Permission to republish Childproof Your Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
