Kids can get into anything and everything when you’re not paying attention. It’s important to childproof your home to prevent accidents and injuries. There are many items available to help you on your way to childproofing every area in your home. Here are the top six things to start with.
1. Medicine
Tamper proof caps for bottles are essential on any pill bottle you have in the house. You will want to place medicine up high and away from little hands, but you never know when a bottle may fall on the floor without you noticing. Having the right caps will stop your child from opening the bottle and swallowing anything dangerous.
2. Water
Did you know that you can change the temperature on your hot water heater? Make sure the setting is at 120 degrees or less so that your child won’t scald their skin with water.
3. Furniture
Children are notorious for climbing things around the house. Make sure heavy furniture, such as bookshelves and cabinets, are secured to the wall to prevent them from tipping over if your child does attempt to climb on them. Consider removing heavy objects from the top of surfaces as well so your child doesn’t knock anything off.
4. Electricity
One of the easiest and most basic safety items are socket covers. They are inexpensive and you can cover every electrical outlet that your little one has access to. This will prevent them from sticking little fingers and objects into the outlet and prevent electrical shocks. Also be aware of your bathroom appliances near water. Make sure you always unplug your blow dryer or hair straightener in the bathroom to prevent a child from knocking a plugged in appliance into water.
5. Blinds
Many accidents happen with window blind cords. Consider replacing your blinds with cordless blinds or make sure to tie up your current blind cords out of reach of little hands.
6. Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are one of the most dangerous items in a home as they contain toxic chemicals. Place them high on a shelf or lock the cabinet that you keep them in to prevent ingestion.
Keeping children safe is a full-time job and you need to do everything you can to protect them from accidents. Have a list of emergency numbers, such as poison control, the local emergency room and your pediatrician, posted in case anything happens.
