It is very important to have childproof home when you have a baby living or visiting the house. A moment of oversight can end up in tragedy when little ones are concerned. There are several things that you need to do to make your home safe for children. You don’t have to completely change your home or invest hundreds of dollars. Here are a few steps to making your home safe and childproof in a week.
Day 1: Check for hazardous chemicals
One of the leading causes of deaths in children is ingestion of hazardous chemicals, medicines, or other substances. Take a look around your home and make sure all your chemicals, medications, and any other potentially hazardous subjects locked up and out of reach. Keep in mind that children are very clever and if they are not locked up, they will find a way to get to them. Household cleaning items can be deadly for children. Make sure they are also kept under lock. Many children have died from swallowing medication that has been thrown away on a trash can. If you are disposing of medications make sure you flush them down the drain rather than leaving them
Day 2: Replace or alter furniture or decor that can be dangerous
The glass coffee table that you love so much can easily shatter when your baby is playing round it. Replace furniture that can shatter or break with safer items. You also want to check for sharp edges that your child can cut themselves with. Remove glass or metal decorations that can also be dangerous. You also want to double-check that all tabletops are securely fastened to the base so t hey don’t tip over if your child happens to elan on them.
Day 3: Cover electrical outlets
Purchase plastic cover and make sure all electrical outlets in your home are covered. This is one of the most dangerous ways in which your baby can hurt themselves. Outlets are usually at a height that a crawling baby can easily get to. If the outlets are not in good condition, it is a good time to fix or replace them. There should be no gap between the cover and the wall because a baby can easily stick their fingers and get electrocuted.
Day 4: Check for uncovered wires and electrical hazards
Look around your home and make sure that you secure all exposed wires that your baby can reach. You also want to make sure that all electrical appliances that can be dangerous are out of reach and always kept unplugged.
Day 5: Secure your doors
You want to make sure that your baby cannot open any door in your home. You can buy door locks for the door knobs. You also need to check if all locks are secure and working. Some people even put door and window alarms that will alert them if the baby has found a way to open them.
Day 6: Look for small objects
Small objects are extremely hazardous for young children. Hundreds of children die each day of swallowing magnets, batteries, and other small objects. If an item can fit through a roll of toilet paper, then it is a choking hazards for your child. Look around your home and remove small parts that your baby can choke on. Even the most unexpected things, such as pillow tassels are potential choking hazard.
Day 7: Explore your backyard and clean your home
You also want to take the time to childproof your backyard. If you have a pool, you want to make sure that it is gated and secure. You want to remove barbeques or any item that can be dangerous if your child ventures out. The final step is to deep clean your home. Your child will spend most of the time on the floor and putting items in their mouth. You want to eliminate bacteria and particles that can be harmful to your child.
