13 Tips To Kid-Proof Your Home
September 25, 2018When it comes to babies and toddlers, scrapes, bruises, head ‘bonks,’ and more serious health concerns are very real risks, as children cannot accurately sense danger, nor do they fully understand right from wrong.
So, in this article, we’re going to dive into various ways you can kid-proof your home, increasing the safety of your grandchildren or any child who may be in your home.
Let’s get started!
1. AGE APPROPRIATE TOYS
Small toys such as checker pieces, Barbie doll shoes, and Lego pieces can become stuck in a child’s throat, causing them to choke. It is therefore wise to review the warnings of all the toys you bring into your home, making yourself aware of any hazards, and if your child is old enough to properly and safely use the toy. To be safe, choose larger, softer toys when possible.
2. FIREPLACE
Baby-proofing your fireplace will help to prevent unnecessary burns, scrapes, and scars. A baby gate or fireplace gate can keep children a safe distance away from your fire and any rough brick or sharp edges. Also, be sure to monitor carbon monoxide and your fire alarms, protecting both your baby and the rest of your family.
3. TABLE CORNERS
Does your kitchen or coffee table have sharp, pointy, corners? With children standing and crawling at the same height as these tables, head bumps are almost inevitable. Your options include corner cushions, bumper kits, corner protectors, and edge guards.
4. TV
The safest place for a TV is mounted securely on the wall – up high and away from children. When TV’s are in reach or on a low TV unit, children can knock over the TV and can pull wires or chords.
5. WALL UNITS, DRESSERS, & SHELVES
TV wall units, bookshelves, and dressers are tempting for children to climb. Drawers are also very tempting to pull open, and both can fall out and on top of a child. To prevent these threats, bolt furniture to the wall or ensure they are properly weighted. Also make sure shelves are strong enough to handle the weight, or are high enough on a wall not to be reached.
6. PHOTO FRAMES & WALL DÉCOR
Heavy photo frames and wall décors such as mirrors or decorative woodcarvings need to be out of reach if hung in a child’s room or play area. These items may make a room look great, but they can be pulled down or fall on little heads.
7. CORDS & OUTLETS
Children may be inclined to put, yank, bite, or get tangled in power or blind cords. In fact, the cords on your blinds are one of the biggest hazards for child strangulation. Therefore, it’s critical to keep cords out of reach, and to also keep electrical outlets covered with safety plugs – to prevent electrocution. Also be sure to properly store hair dryers, hair curlers, and any small appliances that can heat up or cause an electric shock.
8. DOORS & HANDLES
To keep children safe and indoor, doors and cabinets need to be closed and secured, especially once a child learns how to turn a handle or unlock a door. Extra locks, safety bands, barrel bolts, and handle stoppers are sure to come in handy! Parents should also consider a door chime or alarm system – so they know when doors have been opened.
9. LARGE APPLIANCES
Ensure large appliances are adequately secured and cannot fall on your child or grandchild. Also, monitor your oven, as children can easily turn the dials on your stove, turning the heat on and causing burn risks.
We also suggest keeping washer and dryer doors locked, as these appliances can cause suffocation. Fridge locks can also come in handy, keeping children from getting into the ketchup, leftovers, and more!
10. GARBAGE CANS
Toxic chemicals, old food, and other items are frequently disposed of in household garbage. Therefore, those with children need to keep any disposable items in a locked area where their children cannot reach in, grab something, and put it in their mouth.
11. TOILET & TOILETRIES
When it comes to your toilet, a toilet safety lock can be an inconvenient but essential device. Children can flush items such as jewellery, socks, and more. Children can also fall into a toilet, causing drowning concerns.
12. MEDICINES & CHEMICALS
Do you keep your medicines and cleaning chemicals locked up or out of reach? While most pill bottles have child safety locks, if you don’t close the bottle properly, or if you have a pill organizer that is kept on a counter, children can potentially consume pills that will make them sick or cause serious health concerns.
Cleaning chemicals can also be very toxic, become fatal, or cause really bad burns on a child’s skin. Consider changing your house over to natural products like vinegar and water-soluble products.
13. STAIRS
Children are at risk of falling down the stairs if no doors or gates stop them. Whether they’re crawling or newly walking, be sure to close off any areas you don’t want your child or grandchild to enter.
BABY-PROOFING PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Curious as to which products you should investigate further? Here’s a list to consider:
Plug Protectors
Baby Gate
Corner Cushions
Cabinet Lock
Window Blind Cord Wind Ups
Door Knob Cover
Spring Loaded Cabinet Latch
Oven Lock
Finger Pinch Protector
Toilet Latch
Baby Monitors
No-Slip Bath Mat
CHILD SAFETY RESOURCES
Looking for additional safety tips and resources? Visit the Canada Safety Council website:
The Importance of PFDs on the water
Hot Car Warning
Playground Safety
Buckle-Up Basics
Drowning: It can happen in seconds