Finding the right products for child safety in your home is of utmost importance. Baby proofing services are key in providing the healthy environment you wish all of your kids to grow up in. Kids can get into things that you normally wouldn't consider a hazard. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new parent, here are some tips to help you on your journey to making your home a safe haven for your little ones.
Home Safety Tips for Kids
1. Stove: Scalds are burns caused by hot liquids, such as tea, coffee, hot water, and steam. Since they are a common cause of burn injury in young children it is advisable that parents use back burners. If using front burners, ensure to turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
2. Dishwasher: Keep all the knives and forks pointing downwards when placing them in the dishwasher. Knives and forks when placed pointed up can cause injury to wobbly walking or curious children.
3. Drawers and Cabinets: Avoid keeping dangerous contents such as chemicals, tin foil, knives, heavy pots, scissors, batteries, coins, or breakables under the sink. Additionally, install drawers and cabinets latches to help keep children safe from injury.
4. Tables and Chairs: Pad the edges of furniture in your home and check for nails, protruding screws and staples beneath tables and chairs especially if the child frequents the area where they are kept.
5. Window dressing cords: Avoid keeping the crib near the window and ensure that cords are out of reach of children.
6. Fireplaces: Children love climbing into fireplaces. To help them stay safe, cover or block the fireplace completely and keep all supplies such as matches, wood, chips, and pokers locked in a closet. If you have a raised hearth, ensure that edges are padded.
7. Vents: Children often try and pull off the vent covers and are at a risk of injury because of exposed screws and sharp metal sheets. Additionally, children can also insert toys into the vents and damage them.
8. Tall furniture: Any furniture that is taller than its width has the risk of being pulled down by children, endangering their lives. It's important that you attach the furniture to the wall or prevent access to those areas in which the furniture is placed.
9. Plants: Having plants at home can be unsafe for kids and pets. Even if the plant is not poisonous, it can still be dangerous as it can cause children to choke with it's leaves and dirt.
10. Glass: To help keep your home safe for children, ensure that all glass pieces, shelves, frames, tables or other items are removed.
11. Toilets: Children often enjoy playing near the toilet. They can not only easily damage the toilets by trying to flush toys or waste paper into it, but can also drown in the toilets. It's recommended to use toilet lid locks for all toilets.
12: Potpourri: Although potpourri, dried flowers and scented soaps may look and smell good, they can be dangerous for children as they can cause choking hazards or make them ill.
13. Door stopper: Children often remove the rubber on the door stopper and can choke on it. Therefore, installing one-piece door stoppers in your home is highly recommended.
14. Bath tubs: When bathing your little one, ensure that the bottom of the tub is non-slip. Use a spout cover and pad the edge of the tub. Always use a bath tub thermometer to ensure that the temperature of the water is suitable for the baby. Never leave you baby unattended. Babies can drown in less than two inches of water in less than 30 seconds.
15. Gates: When you have a baby at home, always install gates that work like a door. Avoid using pressure gates on stairs.
16. Railings: When installing railings, ensure that the banisters are not more than 3 ½ inches apart. This helps reduce the risk of the child getting stuck or even fall if he happens to play near the railings. However, if you have banisters that are more than 3 ½ inches apart, use Plexiglas to construct a clear wall.
17. Windows: Avoid placing chairs, beds or cribs close to the windows as it may encourage a child to climb through them. In addition, ensure that the windows do not open more than 4 inches and are blocked with window guards.
18. Flammable items: Keep lighters, matches, and cigarettes out of children reach.
19. Toys: Keep the toys of older children away from the younger ones.
20. Throw rugs: When using throw rugs, choose the ones with a non-skid mesh or carpet tape underneath.
21. Substance labels: Ensure that all the cosmetics, cleaners, or other poisonous substances are labeled correctly with their name and ingredients. This will help you provide accurate information to the emergency medical team or poison control center if you child happens to ingest the item.
22. Use child proofing products appropriately: Training, baby sitters, older children and caretakers to use child proofing products correctly can help reduce the risk of an accident or mishap.
23. To protect children from injury: Remove all small objects from the floor and move breakable items such as vases, ceramics or figurines to higher locations where children cannot reach.
24. Childproofing your home: Ask for recommendations regarding baby proofing companies. It's important to remember that although child proofing your home can help increase the overall security, it cannot replace adult supervision and educating young ones about safety.