Thinking Of Baby-Proofing Your Home? Follow These Steps And Relax!

If you are a modern homebuyer, who is planning to buy your perfect home, and you have kids, you should not take baby-proofing lightly. Your child’s safety at home is as important as his/her safety outside of it. You can eliminate a series of risks at home and allow your kids to roam freely. Moreover, it is not always possible to keep a track of your child. Most common causes of injuries to kids are preventable. Therefore, stop worrying and baby-proof your home. Here we have shared some awesome tips to keep your child out of harm’s way. Read on…

Your Child’s Electric! But Keep Him Off Electricity

If you are a new parent, electrical safety should be your primary concern. You need to cover, lock and block all exposed electrical outlets. This will be your first step to childproofing your new home. Needless to say, children have this weird habit of doing all those things that they are not supposed to do. Electrical outlets can prove to be fatal, and they are found almost in every home. Thus, if there is any exposed hole in any of the walls that may have wiring inside it, block it off immediately.

  • There are certain tips for doing so;
  • Taking inventory of your electrical landscape
  • Evaluating all electrical safety product options
  • Blocking all outlets with sliding plate covers
  • Concealing cords
  • Hiding surge protectors
  • Unplugging and storing electrical appliances when not in use
  • Continuously educating your kids on the importance of electrical safety

Kids Falling Down Staircases Look Great Only In Viral Videos, Not In Reality

Falling down from staircases is perhaps the most-common way for kids to get hurt. However, a few simple “steps” can solve the ordeal. Baby gates are readily available in all kids’ stores. All you need to do is shut-off your child’s access to the staircase by using baby gates or fences at the top and bottom entrances. Keep in mind though; your child should never remain unattended even when using baby gates. It is unwise to use pressure-mounted gates on stairs as they usually slip under pressure.

Staircase safety gates are a great way to prevent accidental falls of your child and even pets. You can also install safety gates outside your kid’s room to keep them away from stairs. Railings and banisters should have a clear barrier, preferably of plexiglass. Accordion gates are a strict NO as they can trap a child’s head.

The Heavy Object Dilemma

It is a good idea to move heavy objects from the wall altogether. If your house in an earthquake-prone area, this should not be taken carelessly. Use furniture straps to secure all furniture to the studs in your walls. If you have a gigantic TV, it is unwise to use a stand for it. Instead, use a wall mount. Apply museum putty beneath all shelved items. This will prevent the objects from falling and breaking.

You May Find Her In The Kitchen. But Is Your Kitchen Safe?

Fire, gas, electricity, sharp utensils, chemicals, breakable glass and dishes, garbage disposals, your kitchen is full of hazards. God forbid, your child may get the burns if you are inattentive at any time during cooking. Kitchen appliances may also cause heavy injury.

  • So, here are the tips to keep your kitchen childproof;
  • Keep aluminium foil, waxed paper and plastic wrap dispensers away from your kid. The serrated edges on the boxes can cut those tiny fingers.
  • Keep trash behind locked doors or use a child-resistant garbage can.
  • Spices should be out of their reach. You don’t want them to gobble-up large doses, do you?
  • Store matches and lighters out of reach of your children.
  • Unplug all appliances when not in use.
  • Garbage disposal should be covered by a protective screen.
  • Always follow appliance safety rules. Else, kids will learn the wrong way.
  • Stove knob covers are a must.
  • Never let kids touch or sit on a stove.
  • Rotate pot handles in a manner that your kid cannot grab them. Use backburners.
  • If you want your child to learn cooking early, they must know about hot utensils and burns.
  • If your child is too inquisitive, keep a cabinet only with safe belongings, and that are not used by you for cooking.
  • Never warm baby bottles in microwave and always leave an oven mitt near the appliance.
  • Adhesive mount safety latches are a must on all cabinets and cupboards.

Water, heat and electricity pose major threats to children. Kids are susceptible to burns as they have thinner skin than adults. Scalding occurs when children come in contact with hot water from faucet or when in a bath. Steam can cause serious burns. Hot metals such as curling iron and hairdryer can cause contact burns.

  • There are ways to prevent drowning, scalding, electrocution and other injuries, which can happen in bathrooms, laundry rooms and pools;
  • Bathroom doors should always be kept closed when not in use.
  • Never leave your baby unattended near or in a bath.
  • Unplug all electric appliances in the bathroom.
  • Prevent slipping by using non-slip bath mats.
  • You can prevent hot water scalding by equipping showers and faucets with an anti-scalding device. Never leave kids near water heaters.
  • Lock all cabinets inside your washroom that have toiletries. They are toxic and harmful.
  • Toilet seat lid locks must be installed to prevent kids from falling into toilet bowls. Heavy toilet lids can accidentally fall on those little hands and heads.
  • During potty-training, built-in potty seats prevent children from slipping into the toilet.
  • Front-loading washing machines are dangerous as kids may climb inside. Locking straps, washer and dryer locks should thus be installed.
  • If you are teaching your kid to swim, always use life jackets first. Child-safe pool fence with self–closing and self-latching gates may also be installed.
  • Be CPR-certified.

General Childproofing Tips

  • Install corner cushions and foam-edge guards to secure sharp corners and edges.
  • Secure large objects such as armoires and televisions to your wall to prevent falling objects.
  • Install fireplace safety locks.
  • Use security wall hangers when hanging decorative wall art and mirrors.
  • Place doorknob covers on the front door and all exits to keep young kids in the house and to prevent them from opening the door to strangers.
  • Teach your child the importance of avoiding strangers.
  • Install the Door Monkey on doors to rooms that present risks as a non-permanent solution to keep children in sight and out of trouble.

Childproofing your home, old or new, may not eliminate all risks of injury but it can surely reduce majority of the risks. Moreover, as a parent, you can breathe easy, relax and enjoy yur time with your naughty little one.

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