I’m A Parent To: Child Safety

Childproofing Your Home

You know what? Being a parent isn’t an easy task. Oh, it starts out easy enough because the newborn is helpless and can’t get into much trouble. As they grow older, however, your job gets more difficult. You have to work at keeping one step ahead of your child by childproofing your home to keep them safe.

Of course you want to keep your child safe, so when do you begin the process? What can you do to childproof your home?

Basically, you want to begin childproofing your home prior to bringing the baby home from the hospital. That may seem unnecessary since the baby can’t do anything at this point but sleep and eat, but you’ll be glad you did once your bundle of joy becomes mobile. These early changes may make a big difference in the not too distant future.

Purchase outlet covers for every room in the house, being sure to cover any unused outlet. This one action could save your child from being electrocuted because they have such small fingers and will use them to explore any hole their fingers will fit in.

Install doorknob covers on any door that leads to the outside or any area that is not childproofed. If you prefer to leave doors open in your home, purchase the door guards that will not allow tiny fingers to be caught in a door that accidentally closes.

Keep the bassinet, crib, or changing table away from windows. Make sure you install the hardware to keep the blind cords out of the baby’s reach if you do place these items near windows. While you’re there Child Safety Tips, install window guards that will keep a child from falling out an open window.

Install safety catches on cabinet doors and drawers to keep little ones from getting to things they shouldn’t. Store medicines and hazardous cleaning materials in areas that are high up out of reach, if possible, to ensure your child’s safety.

Purchase a cordless phone. This will enable you to keep an eye on your child wherever they are because you can take the phone with you.

Smoke alarms should be installed on each floor, the kitchen, the utility area, and outside all bedrooms. Be sure to change the batteries every six months, or when daylight savings time changes.