You never quite realize how many dangerous items and surfaces are in your house until you have a child, especially a toddler. Toddlers manage to get into things in your home that you didn't even know existed. One task on the "to do" list of every expecting parent is to go through the home and "child proof" it before the baby arrives.
Protecting your child means taking measures to ensure that your house is a safe place for a child to play. But, unfortunately, there are some things you live with as an adult that you never realize could be dangerous to a child.
It's common knowledge to an adult that power outlets are dangerous. But to a kid, a power outlet is just another place to stick a finger or a toy. The best way to protect your child from curiosity about power outlets is to install outlet covers on every outlet in the house, even outlets you don't think your children can reach.
Another important thing to do before bringing a child into your home is to secure all dangerous chemicals, like cleaning sprays. Never store chemicals at ground level where a child is likely to get into them.
A good place to store your household cleaning supplies is in a high cupboard, preferably one secured with a childproof locking device, which leads to the next tip.
All cupboards and drawers within a child's reach should be secured with safety latches. But even with these latches installed, you shouldn't store dangerous things like knives or sharp objects in a drawer that a child could reach.
Sharp edges are another danger to children. Go through your house and make note of any sharp edges or corners that could be dangerous to your child. Install protective bumpers on any of these areas. Even play areas and toys that you think are safe can have sharp edges that are dangerous.
You might want to consider purchasing soft play toys and soft children's furniture like those made by Children's Factory. These are made with a plush design so that children won't be injured on sharp edges or corners.
Stairways can be one of the most dangerous areas for young children. Safety gates installed at the bottom and the top of the stairway can keep children away from dangerous stairs. Although gates that function using pressure are popular, gates that screw into the wall are usually safer and sturdier.
The bathroom is another dangerous area for kids. Make sure not to leave out any appliances like hair dryers or electric shavers that are plugged into outlets, especially appliances near the bathtub.
These are just a few of the danger zones in your house. Make sure to make a thorough inspection of your home. Try to look at everything through the eyes of a toddler. What items would attract a toddler? Taking preventative measures is the best way to keep your kids safe.
Author Resource:
Education Works LLC (http://www.educationworks.com/brand--children-s-factory.html/) Children's Factory currently manufactures all of their products in a technologically advanced plant that encompasses over 100,000 square feet. Art Gib is a freelance writer.Distributed by Content Crooner
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