While parents constantly worry about children being kidnapped, or being subjected to violence, they must remember the fact that they are in danger in their own homes. Here are some home-proofing tips that you should definitely implement.
Constant supervision is important, but realistically, this is not always possible. It takes just a second for an accident to happen. So what parents should do is child-proof their homes as much as possible, so that accidents are minimal.
To baby-proof a house, get down on the floor, at the child’s height, and look at everything from the child’s perspective. Children are very curious and adventurous, and they have no sense of danger. So it’s important to think from their perspective – what looks attractive around the house? What things will tempt you to play with, or will they put in your mouth?
Here are some tips to get you started!
1. Security Door
Install security doors on the doors of unsafe rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, balcony or main door, at the top and bottom of stairs. And don’t forget to keep these doors closed after leaving!
2. Sharp Edges of Furniture
As far as possible, avoid furniture with sharp edges. Or, place rubber guards or bumpers at their corners to minimize injury if a child hits his head.
3. Tiles and Carpets
See that the floors and tiles are not too slippery! Carpets and bathmats should not have raised edges that a child could walk on and fall over.
4. Sharp objects
Keep knives, scissors and other sharp objects out of the reach of children.
5. Toxins
Make sure cleaning products and medicines are stored in high shelves, where children cannot reach.
6. Drawer
Children are completely attracted and try to open up. The problem is that the drawer and its contents may fall on them and seriously injure them. Rework drawers so they can’t open completely, or put childproof locks on them. But reserve a couple of drawers for the child so that he can satisfy himself by opening them!
7. Tall Furniture
Furniture that is greater in height than width has a tendency to tip over. Consider removing such furniture, or placing them against walls. Drawers on these are particularly dangerous, as opening one drawer can cause the entire piece of furniture to fall onto the child.
8. Windows
Make sure windows are barred, or install safety latches that can’t be easily opened. Also, don’t place any furniture that the child can climb over, near windows.
9. Balcony
Balconies can be very dangerous. It’s a good idea to fence off balconies or install wire mesh so that a child can’t accidentally fall through.
10. Dangers of Asphyxiation
Remove any objects that might be put in the baby’s mouth – stones, pebbles, small toys. This is especially appropriate if you have an older child who has toys with small parts. If possible, educate your elder child also!
11. Doors
Banging doors can seriously injure a child. Install door stoppers, or magnetic door holders that hold the door in place even in the wind.
12. Locks
Disable automatic locking of the main door, so that the child does not lock himself out when alone. Some bedroom and bathroom doors also have locks, and it’s a good idea to disable these in case a child accidentally gets locked in these rooms.
13. Toys
Before buying toys, ensure that they are good. Some toys contain sharp edges or poisonous paint.
14. Crystal
Place all crystal, porcelain and china on high shelves. If the child breaks any, he may hurt himself with the broken shard.
15. Stove and Gas Cylinder
Make sure the child cannot reach the stove. And see that gas cylinders and their pipes are out of the reach of children.
16. Water
Children are top-heavy, and they can fall into the water while being put into a bucket of water. Never leave water lying around, and don’t keep a baby in a tub.
17. Fire Alarms and Sensors
Consider installing fire alarms and gas leak sensors at home.
18. Electrical Outlet
Use electrical tape or outlet covers to seal electric plug points – kids are very attracted to these and love to stick their little fingers into the holes.
19. Wire
Keep long wires and cords away and out of the reach of children. They are a strange threat.
20. Plastic Bag
Do not keep plastic bags lying around. If children place them above their heads, they may suffocate.
21. Plants
Keep houseplants away from children – some leaves and fruits can be toxic.
Apart from all this, make sure that if you are staying in someone’s house for a long period of time, their house is also baby-proofed. Or else, you have to be constantly on alert. Also, remember that childproofing is an ongoing process. Childproofing works until the child is 1 year old, it may not work when the child is 2 years old!