Keeping your baby or toddler safe at home will be one of the most challenging parts of parenthood. Newborn babies that cannot get around on their own yet may be less in danger yet there are still things that you need to be careful of. Once a baby grows into a toddler these risks will increase. Toddlers are moving around and exploring a whole new world of countertops, tables, shelves, and other spots that were previously out of reach.
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
The following are tips for childproofing your home and keeping your toddler safe.
1. Kitchen safety
Tablecloths
Tablecloths allow toddlers to easily grab the edges to pull the tablecloth along with anything else that may be on the table. At this time it may be safer to just let the table go bare for awhile.
Hot beverages
Keep hot beverages out of reach. No hot cups of coffee or tea left on the edge of countertops or tables where they can be easily grabbed.
Pot and pan handles
Turn pot and pan handles on stove facing the back wall to prevent baby from grabbing things that will burn. If possible cook on back burners to make it even safer.
Sharp items
It may be convenient to keep a block of knives sitting on the counter but it can be a huge mistake. Store it in a high cupboard.
Small appliances
Ensure that no cords are hanging down from the counter or on the edge allowing a toddler to pull them down and causing an injury.
Cleaning products
A cupboard under the sink is a popular place for storing cleaning products which often contain chemicals or poisons. One solution is to keep these cupboards locked and the second is to move all these cleaning products to a higher cupboard.
2. Living room
Television
If a child tries to climb on a TV stand, the set can fall on her. Mount your television securely on the wall, if possible. TVs on stands need to be anchored to the wall too: Slip industrial-strength Velcro straps through the air-vent holes and connect them to eye hooks that you screw into the wall.
Furniture
Check that all furniture is sturdy. Your toddler shouldn't be able to pull it down or knock it over. You might want to anchor items such as bookshelves and cabinets to the wall or floor to reduce the risk of them tipping over.
Window blinds
If at all possible choose child-proof window treatment cords such as cordless widow coverings to prevent strangulation. If you only have the option of corded blinds then tying them up high and out of reach is essential.
Candles
Keep candles as well as matches well out of reach. It is not impossible for toddlers to light a match so why take any chances. One alternative to candles are flameless LED candles which mimic the effect of flickering candlelight.
3. Bathroom
Medicine
While many bathrooms are fitted with a medicine cabinet, it is not a must to use them for this purpose. Medicines can be kept in any room of the home provided they are completely out of reach or locked away.
Toiletries
Similar to medicine toiletries can harm small children if ingested. Keep toiletries out of reach in the bathroom or out of reach in another room in your home.
Electrical appliances
Personal electronics such as hair dryers, curling iron, shavers can cause electrocution, burns, or strangulation from loose cords. Keep these items locked up or out of reach when not being used.
Bathtub faucet
Rubber faucet covers can protect your toddler from bangs and bruises. Also, because your child could burn himself if he turns up the hot water, make sure your water heater is set to 120?F. If you live in an apartment building and can't adjust yours, install an anti-scald device on the faucet itself. These have sensors that stop the flow of water when it reaches a dangerous temperature.
Bathtub water
Once bath time has finished drain water immediately to eliminate risk of drowning.
4. Bedroom
Sleep cot or bed
Once your baby is able to push up it is a good idea to remove bumpers, pillows, and toys from the cot. Your baby can step on these items to help them climb out and fall.
Dresser
Have dresser mounted to the wall or floor to prevent it from tipping over. Small children can open drawers and try to climb dressers causing them to tip over.
Lamps
Children could pull the cord causing it to fall leading to injuries to their head or other parts of the body. Instead opt for wall-mounted lamps or overhead lighting.
Toys
Ensure that your toddler’s toys aren’t too heavy. If toys are too heavy and fall over on your toddler there is a risk for injury.
5. Yard and garden
Kiddie pools
Keep kiddie pools drained when not being used.
Garden tools and equipment
Keep any garden tools, power tools, and garden equipment unplugged when not being used and well out of reach.
What are some ways you keep your toddler safe at home?
1 Comments
This was a great post! I work with children in crisis and found that a lot of this can be useful for parents. The only thing that could be confusing is the safe sleeping part. It says when your baby can push up and honestly they can do that before toddlers. I just don't want people to think that pillows in the crib is ever a good idea.
ReplyDelete