How to Child Proof Your Home
Statistics show that a large percentage of accidents happen at home. There are plenty of hazards that pose a threat to adults. But as you might imagine, there are many more that put toddlers at risk.
When your little one starts walking on his own, his curiosity will begin to show itself. He will get into anything and everything that he can, because he wants to understand his surroundings. Taking the time to childproof your home will put dangers out of reach and allow your child to explore more freely. Here are some things you can do to make your home a safer place for your toddler.
* Lock chemicals up in cabinets. Dangerous chemicals should ideally be kept high enough that the child can’t reach them, but sometimes that’s not an option. You can find inexpensive safety latches or locks to use on cabinets at a hardware or discount store.
* Keep your toddler out of rooms that contain hazards. Lock doors if you need to. If you can’t lock the door, you can buy a doorknob cover that will prevent your toddler from opening it but still allow you to.
* Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent your child from being scalded if he should turn on the hot water.
* Install locking latches on your dishwasher and oven. These appliances pose many dangers to a small child, so it’s best to make sure he can’t open them. Knob covers and a stove guard can prevent him from getting burned on the stovetop.
* Be knowledgeable about your plants. Some plants are poisonous and should be kept away from your child completely. Even if they are up high enough that your child can’t reach them, leaves and petals could make their way to the floor.
* Place outlet covers on unused outlets, and keep electrical cords as inaccessible as possible. It’s also crucial to inspect cords regularly to make sure they are not damaged.
* Install window guards to prevent windows from being opened far enough for your toddler to get through them. Keep furniture that the child could climb on away from windows if possible. And keep window blind cords out of his reach.
* Keep bookcases, microwave carts, and other such furniture secured to the wall. These can easily be turned over by a curious toddler climbing or pushing on them.
These are just some of the things you can do to protect your toddler. Looking at your home from his point of view will help you determine what other measures you need to take. Close supervision is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries, but toddlers sometimes have a way of getting out of sight before you even realize what’s going on. That’s why childproofing is a never-ending but extremely important job for a parent.
