Before a toddler becomes mobile and begins to explore the world, parents must ensure they are providing a safe environment for their child. Childproofing the home and eliminating potential hazards can easily be achieved by making simple lifestyle changes and installing safety gadgets throughout the home.
Childproofing the Kitchen
The single most hazardous area within the home is the kitchen. An adventurous child can injure or burn himself easily if the correct safety methods are not put in place. Hot food and drinks should be moved away from the edges of benches and tables to prevent the toddler from reaching for them.
Parents should always ensure that saucepan and frypan handles are turned towards the back of the stove and safety guards can be fitted over oven doors to prevent burns. Keep all knives, pots and pans, cleaners and other hazardous items locked up or kept out of reach of children.
Other ways to keep the kitchen safe for a child include:
- Unplug and keep appliances out of reach of children.
- Keep the rubbish bin inside a cupboard or purchase a bin with a childproof lid.
- Fix locks and latches to cupboard doors and drawers.
- Avoid using table cloths and place mats.
- Secure the refrigerator with an appliance latch.
How to Childproof the Bathroom
Safety in the bathroom begins with adult supervision at all times while a child is in the bath tub. It is also vital to ensure that when bathtime is over, the water is drained from the bathtub immediately. A soft cover can be placed over the bathtub spout to prevent injury and non-slip mats can be placed on the bottom of the tub to prevent children from slipping.
Other safety options in the bathroom include:
- Fix catches to all cabinet doors and drawers within the bathroom.
- Unplug appliances, like hair dryers, electric shavers and hair straighteners immediately after use.
- Install a toilet seat lock.
- Keep bathroom floors dry.
General Safety for Toddlers Around the Home
Safety gates on doors are ideal for keeping toddlers out of hazardous areas parents do not want their child to enter. They are perfect for the top and bottom of stairs, front and back doors to the home and for any room throughout the house. Safety gates are also great for keeping house pets out of rooms that the child occupies.
Safety plugs or outlet covers can be purchased to put into unused sockets to avoid the child pushing objects into the power point. Where possible hide electrical cords behind furniture or under mats to prevent the child tripping or playing with the cord.
Attach corner and edge guards to furniture with sharp corners to prevent the child harming himself as he grows or by walking into the corner. Parents should also consider enrolling in a first aid course to provide them with first aid skills in case of an emergency.
Other safety tips for child safety include:
- Check smoke alarm batteries on a monthly basis.
- Create a fire evacuation plan for the home.
- Secure furniture to prevent falling.
- Fit a safety switch.
- Keep a well stocked first aid kit.
- Ensure all breakables are put away or out of reach.
- Keep blind cords out of reach.
- Ensure all cleaning agents, chemicals and medicines are out of reach.
- Do not place furniture the toddler can climb on, near windows or screens.
- Use window guards or locks on windows.
- Always watch pets around toddlers.
From installing locks and catches to cupboards and drawers, to preparing fire plans and fitting smoke alarms, parents can provide a safe environment for toddlers to play and explore. With these safety tips and a watchful eye, parents can provide a home that is both safe and secure for their toddler.
For other toddler related articles, read Dealing With Toddler Tantrums, Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers and Essential Toys for Toddlers.
Source:
Baby Center. Childproofing Checklist: Toddlers and Beyond (accessed May 14, 2010).
Sharon Rattray - After completing her studies in Freelance Journalism in 2003, Sharon received a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and a Higher Diploma in ...
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