Love your child. Like your home.
I can’t say if every parent feels this way, but I know I do. Maybe if Babyproofing wasn’t such an ominous word that conjures up feelings of ‘I don’t know what is truly dangerous for my toddler or what to do about it’. Uncertainty has its place, but not when it comes to the safety of our kids. So here’s a helping hand for all those who know they don’t know.
Let’s take a look at the main living area:
SHOCKING!
Most parents recognize electrical outlets as a potential shock hazard. Common solution? Outlet caps. Problem is that many types of caps can be easily removed by toddlers. YouTube anyone? They also get lost or broken if removed to temporarily use the outlet and can deteriorate over time with extended use. What should be used is either a spring-loaded sliding outlet cover or a lock box to drastically reduce the chance of electric shock and the possibility of sparking a fire.
HOT! HOT! HOT!
Fireplace hazards include a raised hearth and hot glass. Common solution? Pillows on the hearth. Unfortunately, pillows can easily be moved. Better off getting fitted padding attached with either adhesive, Velcro, clamp or strap system. They will last much longer and look better too. Better yet, install a hearth gate to surround the unit. This will remove the possibility of burnt hands and facial cuts. Gates take more floor space and are generally a little more money but offer a higher level of protection. Either choice looks better than a child with 3rd degree burns. WATCH OUT FOR THE FLOOR BANK!
Pardon? The floor bank is any heat or cold air return floor vent that is not attached to the floor. Common solution? Furniture on top. Bad idea for air flow in the home though. This is a great perceived hiding place for toys, valuables and food. You may never see these items again if deposited in this bank but the smell may last forever! It is also a sharp and dirty area to play. An easy solution is double sided tape to stick the cover to the floor.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!
If it’s bed time, it can be heaven for tired parents. Especially if junior has spent the day crawling around the top of an open staircase or crawling up a flight of stairs with you chasing behind. Common solution? An ottoman or playpen placed in front of the stairs or a poorly selected or installed gate. Use only hardware mounted gates, not pressure. Every stairway can be gated. Proper installation is the key.
Have A Safe Day!
Printer-friendly version