It’s no secret that children are full of energy and it can be tough to keep up with them. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to childproof your home so your kids can explore and enjoy themselves without causing any damage. Childproofing your home is a great way to prepare your family for the chaos of an impending new addition.It is an essential step to ensuring your child’s safety. With careful planning, you can make your home safe for your child and save yourself time, money and worry.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you childproof your home:
1. Check each room
Before you begin the childproofing process, make sure you check the entire house. Are there any broken windows or doors? sharp corners on furniture? poisonous house plants? Keep every single area of your house safe for your little one.
2. Get down to your child’s level
The first step is to get down to your child’s level and identify potential hazards. Crawling or walking around your home can help you see things from your child’s perspective.
3. Secure furniture
Anchor large furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, to the wall. This will prevent them from tipping over and causing injury to your child.
4. Use safety gates
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases and in doorways to prevent your child from accessing areas that could be hazardous. Install doorstops to prevent your child’s fingers from getting caught in doors.
5. Install cabinet locks
Install cabinet locks on all cabinets that contain hazardous materials, such as cleaning supplies and medications.
6. Cover electrical outlets
Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers to prevent your child from sticking their fingers or objects into them. Secure or conceal exposed wires. Make sure your baby cannot access any of your electronic devices by unplugging their charging connections, computer, Wi-Fi router, home theatre system, lamps, and utilities. If your baby or child touches an exposed wire or a loose electrical connection, it can result in an electrical shock, which can be fatal or cause serious injuries.Cables and other adapters pose a similar risk of entanglement. Long cords, such as those on window blinds, can pose a strangulation hazard to babies and young children who may become entangled in them. Put electrical cables in child-proof conduit or mount them high up where children can’t reach them.
7. Set up a designated play area
Designate a specific area in your home for your toddler to play in. This can be a playroom, a corner of the living room, or a space in the backyard. A designated play area does not only help your toddler understand boundaries and limits but it can also help keep your home organised and tidy. By designating a specific area for your toddler to play in, you can keep toys and other play items contained in one area, making it easier to clean up and keep clutter under control. It can help them understand where they are allowed to play and where they should not go, which can be helpful for both their safety and your peace of mind. It can also be a safer environment for your toddler to play in because you can choose an area that is free from hazards such as sharp edges, breakable items, or tripping hazards.
8. Keep small items and sharp objects out of reach
Look for small items that could be a choking hazard, such as coins, buttons, and small toys, as well as sharp objects such as scissors, knives, and needles. Keeping small items and sharp objects out of reach when you have toddlers is crucial for their safety. Toddlers are naturally curious and like to put things in their mouths. Small items, such as coins, buttons, and small toys, can easily become lodged in a child’s throat, leading to choking.
9. Cover sharp edges
Covering sharp edges, such as those on furniture or countertops, can help prevent injuries. Toddlers are still developing their motor skills and coordination, which means they are more prone to falls and accidents. Covering sharp edges can help reduce the risk of injuries, especially as your child learns to walk and navigate their surroundings. Covering sharp edges can give you peace of mind, knowing that your toddler is less likely to get hurt while exploring their environment.
It can also make it easier for you to give your toddler more freedom to move around and explore their surroundings without constant supervision. By covering sharp edges, you can create a safer environment that allows your child to develop their independence.
10. Check for hazards regularly
It’s important to check your home regularly for potential hazards and to make adjustments as your child grows and develops new abilities.
Conclusion
Even after you’ve baby-proofed your home, you should keep an eye out for potential hazards and do another round of baby-proofing when your baby is older and more mobile. By following these steps, you can help ensure your child’s safety in your home. Remember that childproofing is an ongoing process, and it’s important to stay vigilant and make adjustments as needed to keep your child safe.