As a parent, you are probably aware that your home could be a health and safety nightmare. When your child isn’t in view, you may panic and begin a search party, only to find them hiding under the coffee table. The sound of a child crying is distressing for anybody, and you don’t want to be responsible for their tears by having an unsafe house.
Now, you shouldn’t panic. Accidents will always happen, no matter the precautions you put in place. However, it is important to be vigilant, and knowing your house is as safe as possible will give you peace of mind.
Follow this handy guide for childproofing your home, then relax, know you have done what you can and have fun spending time with your child.
The kitchen is potentially the most dangerous room in the house. Be mindful of the following.
Attach childproof latches on to all your cupboards and drawers. Add them to dishwashers, washing machines, and your stove, too.
Remove any sharp implement, such as knives and forks, and lock them away securely.
Put breakable objects, including glasses and plates, behind locked doors or on securely attached shelving.
Lock away any chemical products, such as bleach and other cleaning fluids.
Label cupboard doors with a big red cross, indicating these are no-go areas.
Never put anything climbable, such as a stool or small steps, near the cooker or other hazardous areas.
When cooking, or baking, turn all the pan handles inwards and keep hot equipment out of reach.
Lock away all medicines, but have the key handy just in case you need that first aid kit.
Your young child should be supervised at all times, unless they are safely secured in their crib. When outside, there are extra hazards around your home, including roads with busy traffic, and people you don’t know. Here are some other things to look out for.
Your child shouldn’t be out in the dark, but even so, add lighting on walkways and steps.
Railings should be added to all stairways in and outside your house, so contact a company such as SHS Products.
Clear all walkways of any toys, debris, and sharp objects.
Remove any poisonous plants, including those with berries.
Ensure the outside gate is always locked and bolted.
From the living room to your child’s bedroom, there are some simple things you can do to make each room safe. That includes the spaces between each room, which along with the stairs, should be fitted with safety gates.
Make sure hanging objects, such as hooks, mirrors and pictures are fixed securely.
Remove any loose nails.
Add door stoppers and jammers to avoid slamming doors and trapped fingers.
Ensure shelving is high enough from reach, with any object placed safely.
Tie up loose cables from appliances, such as the television.
Add safety plugs to all electrical outlets.
Never leave your child near an unattended open window.
Use clips to tie window blind cords.
Put protective padding on any furniture with sharp edges.
XOXO
Debbie