Childproofing Your Home

Many parents worry endlessly about protecting their children from abduction and violence, but overlook the fact that one of the biggest threats to their children's safety and well-being, is at their own home. Children below the age group of four are more

 

What’s right?

Candles and matches are out of reach

It's possible for toddlers to accidentally light up a match and start a fire. And if they chew on a candle, they could choke on the wax. Keep candles and matches well out of reach, and try flameless LED candles to mimic the effect of flickering candlelight.

Photo frames are up and away

If the children knocks over or drops a frame, the shattered glass could cut them.  Put frames well out of their reach by hanging them on the wall, or replace them with plastic frames.

TV is mounted

If a child tries to climb on a TV stand, the set can fall, so mount your television securely on the wall.  TVs on stands also need to be anchored to the wall.

Fireplace is covered

Install heat-resistant gates in front of the fireplace, and close them when the fireplace is being used.   Kids could fall and injure themselves against a sharp or stony hearth, so make sure you buy pads for the edges.  Artificial fireplaces often contain small rocks that are choking hazards.  Doors of the fireplace should be locked when they are not in use, and the fire-stoking tools should be kept out of reach.

What’s wrong?

Power strip is exposed

Your child could easily unplug a cord from the power strip, stick a metal object inside one of the holes, and electrocute himself.  Keep power strips hidden behind furniture or, if they must be exposed, buy a power-strip cover.

Small toys are everywhere

Round, cylindrical, square or oval objects that are smaller than one inch in diameter can completely block the throat of a young child and cause fatal choking.  So these should not be used by children, probably until they have reached the age when they are able to understand your concern.

Remote control has a missing battery cover

Be especially careful of button batteries, the kind you find in watches, hearing aids, greeting cards, and some toys.  These batteries have higher voltage than traditional batteries.  If your child swallows any type of battery, it can get lodged in the esophagus and cause severe damage. So it is best to keep them away from the children.

Glass coffee table is unprotected

Table edges are treacherous for a little child who is learning to walk. There is a high chance of toddlers cutting their forehead and eye by the sharp edges of coffee tables.  If the coffee table glass is non-tempered, which shatters easily, put it in a room where your toddler can't access, or buy a new tempered-glass top and put edge guards.

BEDROOM

What’s right?

Crib is set up safely

Once your child can sit up, it's time to lower the crib mattress. Be careful with stuffed animals too, as the children can suffocate themselves while playing with them and sometimes such stuff toys can make an easy step stool for the little one to get out of the crib.

Window has a guard

If you have a window that's placed low to the floor, or has a window seat, it's imperative that you install a guard.  For casement windows, it is best to remove the crank or keep it somewhere where only parents can easily access.

Window blinds are cordless

A child can get his neck caught in looped cord and get strangled.  Cut the loop and add free tassels to avoid such accidents.  If possible invest in new cordless window coverings.

What’s wrong?

Balloon is within reach

Latex balloons should be kept completely away from children under eight. If a child puts a popped balloon in his mouth, the balloon can drape itself over the entrance to his larynx, covering it like shrink-wrap, and suffocating him.

Crayons are left out of the boxes

Even little hands can snap a crayon in two, and the small pieces are choking hazard.  Always supervise your child while he is using art supplies, and consider getting chubby crayons instead.

Porcelain piggy bank isn't high up enough

Children can easily climb up those "stairs" of dresser drawers and grab the bank on top.  If they were to break it they could get hurt with the pieces or choke on the coins inside.  Coins have the perfect size and shape to block the child's airway.  Experts recommend keeping the piggy bank entirely away from toddlers.  You can also install drawer stops that keep drawers from being open more than two thirds of the way.