Child Proofing Your Home

Child safety in the home is of the utmost importance. Let's face it - children have a habit of getting into trouble. If there is something that you want your child to stay away from, you can be almost positive that she will find it! This is why it is very important to make sure that you do some childproofing in your home! Here are some ways to make sure that your little ones stay safe and sound when they are at home.

In the Bathroom

The bathroom is a prime place to get into mischief. It has all sorts of gadgets and things to turn on and off. Keep these child household safety tips in mind when childproofing your bathroom.

Be sure to install some toilet child safety locks to keep your child from lifting the lid. This will prevent them from falling in or throwing foreign objects down the toilet.
Take anything that is sharp out of the bathroom. Nail scissors, tweezers, and razors can be very hazardous in small hands. Keep them in your bedroom or locked in a cupboard that is out of reach.
Make sure that your medications, cosmetics, toothpaste and other necessities are hidden from your child. Many of these can be toxic if ingested.
To prevent your child from getting burnt by hot water, make sure that your hot water heater is set at 120 degrees F. It is better to use cooler water to bathe your child to prevent accidental scalding.
Before you put your child in the bathtub, use your wrist or elbow to check the temperature. Children have very delicate skin that can burn easily.
To prevent anyone from slipping in the tub, buy a nonslip mat. These come in a variety of styles, and can add both fun and safety to bathtime.
Make sure that there are no electrical appliances near the sink, shower, bathtub, or toilet. Electricity and water don't mix!
Never leave your child unattended in the bath. Whatever you have to do can wait - it's just not worth the risk.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the center of the action at most family homes. However, there are dangers present here that many adults just don't notice. Luckily, there are numerous child safety devices available for the kitchen. Try these simple things to keep the kitchen a safe and happy place.

Keep glasses and your favorite china well out of the way of little hands. Lock them up in a cabinet using child safety latches or store them on the top shelf.
Knives and scissors can look very intriguing to little children. Always keep them locked away in special drawers.
Keep cleaning products, appliances, and other dangerous items in locked or latched drawers and cupboards.
Children like to pull on things that are just within their reach. Don't leave china, pots and pans, sharp or hot items on the edge of a table or chair. These could come falling down on your child.
If possible, always use the back elements on your stove - this way, if you child accidentally touches the stove, it is unlikely he will get burnt. Turn all handles towards the back of the stove too, to prevent your little one from pulling on them.
A fire extinguisher is a great addition to any kitchen. Small fires can easily be put out with one of these. Whatever you do, don't try to battle a fire that is out of control. Get your kids out of the house and go to a neighbor's to call the fire department.
Don't leave your kids alone in high chairs or on any furniture. They could easily fall off or get trapped underneath a toppled chair.
Make use of the safety belts on your high chair.
Avoid using long tablecloths that your child can pull on. This can easily result in pots, pans, and china coming crashing down on your child. Secure any long ends and affix the cloth directly to the table.
Keep your trash can outside or locked up. Your baby will get into it, which could cause suffocation.

In the Living Room

The living room is often off-limits to children, but they will undoubtedly find their way inside. Be sure to make this room just as safe as any other in your house. Use childproofing products and these tips to promote child safety in your home.

Use safety covers on open electrical sockets. Children love to stick their hands inside the holes, which can cause electrocution.
Child window safety is very important but often overlooked. Make sure that you have screens on your windows or use child proofing window guards to ensure that you child can't climb out.
Tie up blind and drapery cords - these are a strangulation hazard.
Glass doors can be very difficult to see sometimes, and there are horror stories of people running right through them. Replace your glass doors or use safety glass that can't be broken.
Children can be surprisingly strong, and can even pull down furniture and televisions. Secure all of your furniture so that it can't topple over on to your baby if he pulls on it.
Babies that are learning to crawl and walk are likely to bump into coffee tables and sharp corners. Use a bumper edge on your tables to reduce the pain of impact.
Childproofing and fireplaces go hand in hand. If you have a fireplace, purchase a guard to put around it. This will keep your child from falling into the fireplace or getting too close to it.
Keep your floors clear of small objects. Babies love to put things in their mouths, and this can cause choking.

In the Bedroom

Your baby's bedroom should be a quiet and serene place for him to nod off to dreamland. Keep it safe by following these easy suggestions.

Don't use pillows in your baby's crib until he is one year old. They can cause suffocation.
Put away clothes, belts, perfume, and jewelry.Remove any locks that may be on your baby's bedroom door. These locks could malfunction, trapping your baby alone in the room. Keep other bedrooms off limits by using child safety door locks.
Put safety latches and screens on all bedroom windows. Don't put any furniture near the windows either, as your child can climb on it to get to the window.
Take bibs and sweaters off of your baby before you put her down for a nap.

In the Hallways and On the Stairs

Children love climbing up and down stairs and running through hallways. Keep these areas safe and accident-free.

Use covers to plug up electrical sockets.
Prevent your baby from climbing or falling down the stairs by using childsafety gates.
Make sure the stairs in your home are clear of objects and debris. These can be tripping hazards, especially at night.
Keep your hallways and stairs lit at night, for easy access.

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