Covering up open outlets, placing corner guards on sharp points, and baby-gating stairs were probably the first steps you took to make your home safer for your young children. If you’re wondering what more you can do to make your home as safe as possible for your kids, check out these tips and tricks for childproofing your home.
Add Kitchen Locks
The kitchen is arguably the single most dangerous room in any home for a child. It’s full of sharp and hot things that could easily harm your child should they get their hands on these items. Knives, blenders, toasters, and ovens are just a few of these hazards. One step you can take to prevent injuries is to place safety locks on cabinets and drawers that contain potentially dangerous objects. To keep kids safe around the oven, you can use a stove guard, be sure to use only the back burners for cooking, and turn pot and pan handles toward the counter.
Secure Your Furniture
Large furniture can be especially dangerous if left standing on its own. A curious child climbing around can take down bookcases, cabinets, and shelves. To keep these from toppling over onto your child, get some fasteners and secure the furniture flush against the wall. Screws will be the best method of securing the furniture. Many parents often forget this aspect of childproofing, making this an essential tip for childproofing your home.
Check Your Attic
If your home has an attic, make sure you’ve taken the steps to make this area childproof as well. Check the ladder for any loose or protruding nails. These are super easy to remove, but they can do a lot of damage if your child is playing near the ladder or climbing on it. If your child is able to access the attic, check to see if you can address any other potential problem areas. Attic safety is widely disregarded, but the safer your kids can be, the better.
No matter what, your child’s safety should be your top priority. Much of what they’re experiencing is so new and fresh to them that they’re not always thinking about safety themselves. Locking up hazardous areas, making sure your furniture is secure, and checking every space of your home are the keys to making sure your children are as safe as they can be in your home.
