Accidental injuries are the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 14 years old, which is why making sure your home is protected is vitally important. According to the 2021 Annual Childproofing Report by SafeHome.org, 4 out of 10 parents believe a child’s injury could have been avoided had they taken proper childproofing precautions in and around the home.
Living Room
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Keep your window-blind cords either cut short or tucked away so that children don’t get entangled in them
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Install door stops and door holders, they work wonders to keep little fingers from being pinched
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Cover unused outlets so that children are not tempted to stick their tiny fingers in and get shocked
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Use safety gates if your home has stairs
Kitchen
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Lock your stove knobs. You never know when your kid will decide to ignite your stove burners!
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Secure low drawers in your kitchen, especially if they contain dangerous items like scissors or knives
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Make sure electric appliances are unplugged when they are not in use
Bathroom
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Install safety locks and latches on your toilet so that your child doesn’t get into them
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Place a rubber slipcover next to the bathtub to avoid your child slipping and falling when the area is wet
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Make sure that the cabinet containing chemicals in the bathroom is locked
Dining Room
- Make sure that glass objects are stored out of reach
- Check if your child’s highchair features a safety strap between the leg
- Here are other tips specific to baby proofing a child’s nursery:
Have A Safe Crib Area:
Keep the area around your baby’s crib clear of heavy objects, artwork, or mobile objects that could potentially fall on your child and cause an injury.
Keep Diapers Out Of Reach:
If you use disposable diapers, make sure to properly cover them with your baby’s clothing. If your child is able to reach and pick at the diaper, they could suffocate if they tear off pieces of the plastic liner and swallow them.
Install Smoke Detectors:
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in or near your baby’s room so you can be aware of any hazards in the nursery.
Beware of Unintentional Suffocation:
While every parent wants their baby to feel warm and cozy in their sleep – large blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals may present suffocation and strangulation hazards. Use smaller blankets instead, or add one layer of clothing to your baby for bedtime.
For more information go to our 2022 Annual Childproofing report: https://www.safehome.org/family-safety/home-childproofing-report/
*Article courtesy of Safehome