Raising a child at home can be fun but parents must take precautions to safeguard their little ones.
We all love to make our homes cozy and modern no matter how big or small. Especially with the growing interests in modern interior décor and design gained from foreign exposure. Raising a family, most especially children, in our perfectly created and decorated homes could be delightful but may also pose some dangers to our children.
As kids grow in their various stages through crawling to walking, they get naturally curious and tend to pick up little habits like trying to tip things over, climbing and chewing on little things.
Childproofing the home is an ongoing process and this week meqasa.com shares 5 tips on how to make your home safer for your baby.
- Windows
Once a child learns to climb, the window area can be very dangerous and should be kept safe. Windows must be kept locked and if possible locks should be installed at the top of the window and not the bottom. Curtain and blind cords should also be kept covered and out of sight. Furniture should also be kept away from windows to prevent the child from climbing.
- Cabinets/Drawers
Household cleaning products, kitchen spices, medicines, sharp objects like knives and peelers must be kept stowed away in kitchen cabinets and locked. If possible install a child-safety cabinet lock for extra safety. Chest-drawers, bookcases, shelves and other likely tipping furniture should be installed with tipping restraints to help keep them in place; also heavier items can be loaded in the bottom drawer to help keep them grounded and help prevent tipping. Never leave drawers open as they may serve as ladders for kids to climb.
- Electricals
Electrical cords may be attractive to a child to play with or chew on hence should be kept away or again covered with a cord shortener or cover. Modern electrical outlets in homes these days are left bare with charging electricity and no need for a power switch, these can serve as a hazard for babies as they are usually installed at the perfect height-level for babies to play with. Consider investing in sliding safety latches over these outlets to make them less ‘attractive’ to a baby.
- Fencing/Mini-gates
Consider investing in one of the varieties of child-safety fences and mini-gates. These can be installed at the top and bottom of stairs and also in front of kitchen stoves; as kids may be tempted to play with stove knobs. Also, it is advisable to try to cook on the back burners as much as possible to prevent nearness to hot pots and pans for babies. Swimming pool areas must also be gated and well fenced to help make safer.
- Keep Out of the Way
Baby toys, loose coins, gum, pills and other tiny objects must be constantly cleared and kept out of sight and they pose as choking or slipping objects for children. Coffee tables and other furniture with sharp corners must also be kept away or covered with cushioned corner and edge protectors. Also, make sure rugs have non-slip pads under them or install some to help prevent slipping. Keep toilet lids down at all times and if possible locked with a toilet lid lock. Empty baths and buckets with water as soon as you’re done using them to help prevent drowning as babies can drown in about just an inch of water.
Research has shown that children are more injury prone in their own homes so it is important to invest in child-safety methods to help keep them safe. Remember, however, that the best childproof or safety ‘device’ is to always supervise and be on your guard with children and do not leave them unattended.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/childproof-home
http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/babyproofing/babyproofing-basics/
http://www.pinterest.com/gwtgsmama/childproofing/