How to Childproof Your Home

If you have a family, you need to make sure your home is childproof. Childproofing a home means that your home is free from threats and dangers that could harm young children. We all know that kids get into things they shouldn’t, so it’s always better to be safe.

 

Whether you’re welcoming home a new baby soon or kids are visiting your home for the first time, you need to know how to childproof your home. In this guide, we’ll outline the proper safety measures necessary to keep your home safe.

 

 

Why do I need to childproof my home?

First, let’s talk about why it’s so essential to childproof your home. We all like to think that our homes are a safe place, but unintentional injury in the home is one of the top killers of children in the United States.

 

Here are some important statistics about home safety from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• 1,268 children under 19 died from suffocation in the home in 2013
• 26 children each year die from injuries related to furniture and appliance tip-overs
• An average of 123 children under age 19 die in falls within the home each year

 

While these stats might be scary, it’s important to see how dangerous your home can be if you aren’t careful. To protect your kids, follow the steps below.

 

Kitchen & Bathroom Childproofing

The kitchen and bathroom are some of the most dangerous places in your home if you aren’t careful. This is usually where you store chemicals, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous things that kids can get into. Follow these steps below to protect your kids in these spaces.

 

• Safety Latches – Install safety latches on all cabinets and drawers that make it difficult for kids to open these without adult help.
• Toilet Locks – To keep kids out of toilets, use toilet locks. Remember, kids can drown in just one inch of water.
• Medicines – Always store medicines in their original containers, and store them in high places that are difficult to reach.
• Appliances – Unplug any electrical appliances and devices like hair dryers and toasters that could be played with near water.
• Electric Outlet Covers – Cover any electrical outlets with safety caps so kids aren’t tempted to play with them.

 

Around the Home Childproofing

Areas outside of the kitchen and bathrooms are still a threat to kids if you’re not careful. Make sure you take these steps below seriously.

 

• Gates – Use safety gates to keep kids away from stairs and other off-limits areas.
• Edge Bumpers – The edges of some furniture can be painful for kids at that lower level. Install edge bumpers to protect against injury.
• Window Blinds – Replace any window blinds which have looped cords that can be a strangulation hazard for children. Always lock blinds into position so they can’t be played with.
• Secure Furniture – Always secure furniture to the walls with brackets and anchors to prevent them from falling onto children. In addition, place heavier items on the bottom of any shelving to keep them from falling.
• Gun Safety – If you have guns in the home, they should be stored in a secure, locked gun cabinet away from children.
• Batteries – Batteries can be fatal if they’re swallowed. Keep any devices that contain small batteries out of reach of children.
• Maintenance – Always maintain your home and take action quickly if you need repairs. For instance, you should know what to do if you find asbestos in your home.

 

Protect Your Children by Childproofing Your Home

One of the first things you should do when moving into a home is to make sure it’s childproof. These tips above will give you more peace of mind, but they’re not a substitute for preventative action. You should always keep an eye on young children, and teach your kids about safety inside the home.

 

It’s also a good idea to learn basic first-aid so you’re ready if an emergency does happen in the home. Finally, check your readiness by reviewing the Kids Health checklist for the kitchen, bedroom, and beyond. Your safety and your kids’ safety is too important not to take these things seriously.

 

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