Basic Baby Safety: How to Child Proof Your Home

Getting Started.

 

The best way to childproof your home is to get on your hands and knees and look around. This way, you will see what a child sees. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: Are electrical outlets covered? Are cords from electrical items or drapes hanging down so your child can reach them? Are their any sharp corners from furniture or other items? What small items could be a choking hazard? (Tip: If the item is the same size as the large side of a pacifier or smaller it is a choking hazard. Another trick I have read is using an empty toilet paper roll. If the object will fit inside it could be a choking hazard.)

 

Cupboards.

 

Keeping locks on your cupboards can prevent children from getting into poisonous household cleaners. Always keep medicine out of reach, even if they have child safety caps on them. Child safety caps are not guaranteed to keep your child out. Always keep the number of you local poison control center handy for emergencies. If you don't know the number, you can find it at the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Corners of cupboards should be cushioned to prevent injury to your child when they run into them. (yes, it happens?)

 

Outlets and Electrical Items.

 

Electrocution is also another danger that can be prevented. Covering electrical outlets with safety caps will prevent baby from sticking his or her fingers or other objects in them and getting electrocuted. Make sure small appliances such as blow dryers and curling irons are unplugged and out of reach as well.

 

Plastic is Dangerous.

 

Keep plastic items such as shopping bags and garbage bags out of reach. They can easily cause suffocation. Remember that any vinyl items such as mattress covers can also be a hazard.

 

Drapes and Blinds Can Cause Disaster.

 

To prevent strangulation always make sure drapes and blind cords are out of reach. In the nursery, make sure that your baby's crib is not near any of these items.

 

Final Check

 

While you are checking your home make sure baby does not have access to bathtubs, toilets, swimming pools. Never leave buckets with water or cleaning solutions out. Remember, babies can drown in less than an inch of water. Use safety gates to keep baby from falling down stairways or just to keep them confined to a particular room or area. Remember, even the best childproofing does not warrant leaving any child unattended. Doing this is a great recipe for serious injuries or worse!!