(BPT) - Childproofing your home isn't just for babies. As kids grow, so does their ability to find new things to explore, some of which can be safety hazards hidden in plain sight. Be sure you know how to spot these hazards and the safety tips to help keep little ones safe throughout the years.
Read on about important safety measures you can take to childproof your home, based on the age and development of your child.
Newborn
Begin childproofing before your child is on the move. Installing safety products helps parents be ready before the baby starts crawling (which happens overnight!) and teaches children what is off-limits.
Begin childproofing your home by doing the following and consider these safety tips:
- Never place a crib, playpen, bed or any type of low-standing furniture near a window. In exploring their surroundings, young children can accidentally fall through an open window or window screen, or become entangled in a nearby window covering cord.
- Dangling or accessible cords on window coverings can pose a ‎strangulation hazard to infants and young children.‎ Replace all corded window coverings with cordless products. It's easy to know which are cordless - look for the Best for Kids label on products available at all major U.S. retailers. Visit windowcoverings.org for more information.
- Keep baby's crib free of pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets as they can be a suffocation hazard.
- Place baby monitors and their electrical cords at least three feet away from the crib.
- Anchor TVs and tip-over furniture to the wall, such as dressers and bookcases.
- Anchor the changing pad to dresser with the safety latch provided.
Crawler
Crawling and cruising children will grab on to almost any surface and may pick up any item within reach. They explore by putting things in their mouths as well. This is a very curious time for children which requires additional supervision.
- Be sure all the items from the newborn section have been completed.
- Cover electrical outlets lower than counter height.
- Keep household cleaners and medicines out of reach. Install child locks on cabinets.
- If you still have corded window coverings, for safety's sake, replace them with safer cordless options.
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove and use back burners.
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath; keep one hand on the child at all times.
- Avoid toys with small parts when shopping for children under age three (3) and children who mouth toys. Test the size of toys and other objects around the home with a Small Parts Tester.
Toddler
Be prepared to give lots of clear reminders about safety, as young children don't always understand safety concerns. Make sure that the steps in the previous stages have been completed, and work on the following.
- Store toys in an easily accessible place. Choose a toybox without a lid which can fall on little fingers or trap little ones inside.
- Adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Curious hands can turn on water sooner than you think and can cause serious burns.
- Place hot foods and liquids on the center of tables and countertops, not on edges or placemats.
- Secure doors that lead to stairways, driveways and storage areas.
- Never leave a child alone in a bathtub, wading pool or other body of water.
- Store dangerous tools and gardening equipment in a locked shed or cabinet.
- Keep all button batteries out of reach. If swallowed, button batteries can cause injury or death.
Early Elementary Age
'Big kids' can understand why some items and actions are dangerous, but still need safety precautions and guidance, as their impulses often push them to do what they know is forbidden or exciting. Make sure certain hazards are contained and they have a good understanding of safety do's and don'ts.
- Teach your child the right way to use simple kitchen tools and appliances.
- Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach.
- Teach children how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm at home. Make an escape plan and practice it with your kids.
- Teach them how to dial 911 in case of emergency.
- Teach kids to never play in your parked car.
No matter the age of your kids, your family deserves to feel safe at home. For more tips on childproofing your home, visit The Window Covering Safety Council.
