When your baby started to crawl, you baby-proofed your house. Get ready to “toddler-proof” your home. Your toddler has the ability to open more cabinets, drawers and bottles than before. The last thing you want is to hover or discourage your toddler’s growing independence and discovery. So make sure surroundings are safe and then supervise, but don’t discourage your toddler.
Use this check-list to make the safety rounds at your home to make sure your adventurous toddler is safe and sound.
- Windows: Install window gates to prevent falls.
- Stairs: Put safety gates across top and bottom of steps.
- Electric outlets: Plug them with plastic caps.
- Electric cords: Keep out of reach so a toddler can’t pull lamps and appliances over.
- Houseplants: Many are poisonous, so hang or place all plants high out of baby’s reach.
- Tippy furniture: Test for wobbles and remove shaky pieces that could fall on a toddler.
- Toy boxes: Large ones with heavy lids can injure toddlers. Use shelves or small storage bins instead.
- Knives and sharp tools: Keep well out of baby’s reach.
- Needles, pins and small objects: Keep out of reach.
- Matches and ashtrays: Keep out of reach. Cigarette butts can be fatally toxic if swallowed.
- Cleaning supplies, laundry products and paints: Many of these are fatally toxic. Keep on a high shelf or locked in a cabinet.
- Pots on stove: Keep the handles turned toward the wall so they don’t get pulled down on top of anyone.
- Medicines: Keep in a high locked cabinet. Ask pharmacists for childproof caps. Put emergency numbers near the phone and be sure to include the number of the local Poison Control Center. In case of accidental poisoning, call Poison Control before taking action.
Outside the house:
- Steps: Put safety gates across steep porch steps.
- Access to the street: Fence in the yard where a toddler plays.
- Pools: Fence in swimming pools. Don’t leave a toddler unattended near a portable wading pool.
- Driveway and garage: These are dangerous places for a toddler. The garage is full of hazardous materials and cars come into the driveway without warning.
When you visit: Friends and relatives without small children usually do not have toddler-proofed houses–and this includes loving grandparents. So be extra careful when you’re in someone else’s home.
Be watchful, while allowing your child the freedom to explore and discover–an important step towards independence.
By: Huggies
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We should baby proof our house for sure. good tips
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