Child Proofing the Home
Each year over 2.5 million kids are injured or killed in their own homes. Unknown to most parents, a lot of the things we use on a daily basis can be deadly to a small child.
Also, as they grow, the dangers don’t necessarily become less, often, new ones tend to emerge.
Place locks on your cabinet doors. This will keep kids out of those old containers, chemicals, and anything else that is hazardous. Keep in mind, children love to explorer, touch, and then put those things in their mouths.
Same goes with washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The odds of them climbing inside and turning it on are low, but they could suffocate if the door closes behind them. Some machines have auto locks on them when the door is closed.
Same for the refrigerator, kids figure out fairly young where the food and snacks come from. They will want to explore this on their own if given the chance. The dangers here lie mostly with what’s inside. A heavy glass container could shatter and break on the ground around your child. The odds of you standing right there when it happens are low, otherwise they wouldn’t have been in the fridge in the first place.
Little Sally here, loves to push buttons. Imagine what would happen if she pushed the wrong button, then climbed in the oven to hide or play. No more Sally! Lock the oven!
Safety 1st offers a wide selection of home proofing products. They’re durable, reliable, and inexpensive.
Place gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Kids learn to negotiate climbing stairs faster than going down. We recommend the gates that attach or hinge on one side, rather than the ones with the cross beam. These are quick to install, easy to use, and will stay in place better.
Here’s another type of cabinet lock.
Also, keep plastic, packing peanuts, small parts and toys away from young children.
