There is a lot of advice going around for parenting but childproofing your home is something that you will as soon as the baby starts crawling. Some babies start crawling and then standing up with the support of furniture a lot earlier than you think. It is a good idea to apply your mind before that and check your home for potential hazards.
Childproofing Cupboards, Cabinets and Drawers
Install safety locks and latches to cabinets and drawers. These are easy to install and do not require you to be an expert. Place these on cabinets that are reachable, especially those where you put your medicines, cleaning supplies and any other chemicals that have the potential to harm your baby. These include where you keep your tool kit, knives and other sharp objects as well as ‘junk drawers.’ Soaps and detergents are seemingly harmless but your crawling baby likes to put everything in his mouth. In fact, check the entire house and shuffle such items to top drawers.
Child Safety Gates, Windows and Stairs
Safety gates are required to be installed to prevent the baby from going to places you think he should not be going. This includes the stairs, kitchen, and bathrooms and in some cases even the main entry. Gates that screw tightly in the wall are ideal for stairs while for kitchen and bathrooms you can look at ‘pressure’ safety gates. Avoid gates that are V-shaped to avoid the child’s head getting stuck in the gaps. Cover the gaps between railings with a suitable wire mesh.
Door locks and door knob covers may be a better option than safety gates. These are not only more permanent but also necessary for basement and attic doors. Door knob covers, on the other hand, are temporary fixtures that fit over the doorknob and prevent children from opening doors. There may be a need to install these on the main front and back door entry gates. If you have a swimming pool you may also want to fence it.
Childproofing Electric Outlets and Appliances
Pay special attention to electric outlets installed at eye level of a crawling baby. Get plastic covers that fit into these to prevent the baby from putting finger or objects into the holes. Select the ones that are strong and fit tightly but not so small that the child may choke on them. As your child grows up there is a risk that he may pull them off easily. If your budget allows it is a good idea to change these for the modern childproof outlets.
If you have electric appliances on table tops make sure that the larger ones are firmly secured. Also do not leave any cords dangling. Your baby will play anything and everything. Dangling cords can be pulled and the appliance at the other end may fall and there is also a risk of strangling.
Childproofing your home is not a big project but essential for the safety of your child. Once you know the basics you can get the materials required for childproofing and install most of these on your own.
Visit the authors website if you are looking for additional child proofing tip and tricks and make your home a safe place for yout little one.
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