Children are often injured by some dangers in and around the house. But the good part is that this risk can be easily prevented by practicing some safety measures and using child-safe designs. These safety devices are widely available and affordable. Make sure to install them correctly for better effectiveness.
Remember that no device is entirely childproof, so don't rely on them completely. Sometimes toddlers also find a way to disable them. Read the article further to know about some safety measures and recommended products that help reduce safety concerns for children.
When to Childproof Your Home?
It's good to be aware of the possibility of risks to the babies and ensure that they are safe and happy. Every step in a child's life - infant, toddler, and childhood comes with a unique set of challenges, which makes it important for you to take childproofing measures from the first day itself.
Some parents start childproofing their home during the pregnancy period. It's actually better to start the process earlier, because once the baby starts to crawl and move around the house, parents need to keep objects away, which can harm the child. You also need to identify the area of the house where a child may get hurt because the entire house is a play area for kids.
How to Childproof Your Home?
Get All the Important Repairs and Upgrades Done
It's important to get all the necessary safety repairs done to childproof your home. Replace any broken windows, repair leaking water heaters, and check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. For water heaters, also remember to set the temperature below 120 degrees F for the safety of the baby.
Check for lead paint, especially on interior window sills and door frames, especially if the house is very old. These lead exposures can be dangerous for toddlers who crawl and might touch these surfaces. If you're planning to replace the furniture, choose furniture that has anti-tip kits, rounded corners, and is made with fewer harmful chemicals.
Lock Your Cabinets and Drawers
Children can easily access dangerous chemicals and sharp objects from the drawers; therefore, it is important to install locks in all the cabinets and drawers. You can easily find different types of locks in the baby section of a store. You can install different types of locks, like:
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Cabinet and drawer latches - The latch automatically locks the cabinet or drawer when it is closed. It can be easily attached inside the drawers with screws. To unlock the drawer, simply press a tab and the drawer will be released from the latch. The only problem is that a child might learn to open it by watching you unlock it multiple times.
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Cabinet flex locks - Flex locks are attached to cabinet handles or knobs to keep them closed. They use a flexible tab and a triple-touch release system, which makes it harder for kids to open them.
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Magnetic locks - Magnetic locks need a key to open the drawers and cabinets. They are difficult to install, and you will need to keep an extra key.
It is also recommended to keep the harmful objects out of reach and then lock them. This way, your child would be safe even if you forget to lock the drawer.
Be Extra Cautious Near Water
It is important to double-check water safety measures, as a child can easily drown in water. Here are a few tips to make the water area childproof:
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Put a barrier around the pool or spa by surrounding it completely to provide layers of protection.
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Get a fence at least 4 feet tall and with self-closing and self-latching gates so the kids don't get in easily.
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Install alarms on doors that lead to the pool, or you can also use a pool safety cover.
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A pool alarm can also be helpful. This will give you an extra layer of protection.
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Most importantly, never leave a child alone in a bathtub, pool, or spa.
Childproof Your Windows
Children can fall from the window, especially if they are big enough to stick their entire head out of it. The screens can keep the bugs out, but they're not foolproof protection for children because screens can easily get damaged if kids exert little pressure. If your windows are lower, ensure they are kept closed and locked. Also, be careful with windows that raise up, as they could hurt a child standing underneath them. Follow these steps to keep children safe around the windows:
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Make sure windows don't open wide enough for a child to fit through.
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If possible, try to open windows from the top and not the bottom.
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If your windows have key-based locks, keep the key nearby to easily access the window quickly during an emergency.
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Don't put furniture near windows, as kids can climb on it and fall out of the window.
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Fix broken or damaged windows instantly. If you can't repair them immediately, it's best to at least board them up to prevent accidents.
Secure Electric Dangers
To protect the child from electrical hazards, it is important to hide cords and cover all access to outlets around the house. The first option that comes to mind is flat plastic outlet covers that stick into an empty socket. But this is good only if the outlet is in good condition. If the outlet is old, it won't hold the outlet cover well.
It's a better option to use outlet covers that look like a box and attach to the outlet plate. They are especially useful for outlets that need to be plugged in. It is recommended to use cordless items, if possible, and if not, then hide the cords behind the furniture with cord covers.
Childproof the Kitchen
Kitchens contain many hazards, including knives, cleaning products, and hot surfaces. Therefore, follow some simple tricks to efficiently childproof your kitchen:
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Always keep the sharp utensils and appliances like knives, scissors, and food processors in a drawer or cupboard with a safety latch.
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Use door latches or child-proof cabinet locks in cabinets or drawers that contain harmful and breakable objects like medicines, cleaning products, and glasses. Also, put baby locks in your fridge and oven.
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Use knob covers to ensure that the children can't turn on the gas stove knobs. Turn pot handles towards the back or use back burners to prevent your child from touching hot objects.
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Unplug all the appliances when not in use and put all the cords out of the reach of children.
Conclusion
Children bring joy to their parents' lives, but at the same time, there are different challenges and adventures at every stage of their development. Hence, it is important to keep them safe by childproofing the house to prevent accidents. By following some basic steps like locking the cabinet drawers and putting a cover on electrical objects, your home can be safe for the little ones.
