Child Proof Your Home
There is nothing more exciting than becoming a first time parent. You have spent months preparing for your new bundle of joy. A room has been decorated, a car seat and crib bought, a name carefully chosen. You are preparing to meet all your babies needs and along the way, taken steps to ensure her safety. That car seat and crib meet all national safety standards. Your car has working seat belts and you already drive with more care.
Have you gone as far as to consider home safety? Your baby will spend most of her early years in the home. Natural growth and development dictate an exploring nature and that bright glowing space heater just begs to be touched. It is time to really look around your home through the eyes of a child. To do this, go to ground level; hands and knees and take note. What is within reach; are their cords hanging down, open electrical outlets? If the answer is yes to these questions then it is time to child proof your home.
Following are safety tips designed to help you with the task of child proofing your home.
WHEN BUYING A CRIB
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- All cribs made after 1989 were built following national safety standards. When a used crib is in the home, be sure to check the year it was made
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- The standard distance between crib slats is 2 3/8 inches or less. Larger distances pose a strangulation hazard. Small bodies can slide through allowing the larger head to lodge between slats and cause harm.
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- Check slats for splinters or cracks. No slates should be missing.
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- Cribs should have no sharp edges or loose, sharp screws that can scratch a baby.
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- Tall corner posts pose a strangulation hazard. Baby’s clothing can catch the post and cause injury. Post should be no more than 1/16 inch high.
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- The crib mattress must fit snug. No more than two fingers should fit between the crib and the mattress.
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- Sheets should be for cribs only and fit snug at all corners. Never use adult sheets in a crib. Loose sheets allow a baby to tangle up, posing a hazard.
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- All bumper pads must be secured tightly and removed once baby is standing.
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SAFETY TIPS: ROOM TO ROOM
CHILDS ROOM
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- Avoid placing the crib and low-standing furniture (chairs, tables, toy box) in front of windows.
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- Install window guards on all windows. Remember, an exception to this would be a fire escape window.
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- If possible, purchase cordless window coverings. Window covering cords often times have loops that pose a strangulation hazard. Be sure that all existing cords are locked down or cut at loop end.
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- Remember, children love to explore. Often draws and shelves are used for climbing putting them at risk of sustaining crush injuries if the furniture tips over. Anchor all large furniture to the walls when possible. Loading the bulkier, heavier items in the lower draws will help stabilize a dresser.
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- The nursery floor should be free of small toys or items that pose a choking hazard.
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KITCHEN
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- In most homes the kitchen will house the most cabinet and draw space. Install safety latches or locks to keep young hands out.
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- All cleaning products, medicines, or other potentially poisonous products should be moved to higher cabinet levels. (Click here for more safety tips on POISONING ).
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- For stoves with front controls, install safety covers. When cooking, use back burners; turn all pot/pan handles toward back of the stove. Never leave food cooking unattended.
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- Set small appliances away from sinks and counter top edges.
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- Keep appliance cords, glassware, and knifes away from counter top edges and out of reach of children.
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- Never carry hot foods or liquids near your child and keep them out of reach (away from table or counter edge).
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BATHROOM
- Install safety latches or locks on all cabinet doors and draws.
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- If bathroom has a medicine cabinet, latch or lock the cabinet. All medicine should be in childproof containers. (Click here for more safety tips on POIONING).
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- Safety lock toilet seat. Children carry most of their weight in the upper half of their body. This weight distribution can cause a balance disturbance when leaning over an open toilet bowl. Children can drown in a little as 1 inch of water.
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- All razors, blow dryers, scissors and cosmetics need to be kept out of child’s reach.
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- Never leave a tub full of water. Never leave a child alone in a bathtub.
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- Install rubber strips or use a mat in bathtub to prevent slips and falls.
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LIVING / FAMILY ROOM
- Toddlers tumble. Their newfound independence (scooting, crawling, and walking) puts your toddler at risk for head injuries. Apply corner guards and edge cushions to help prevent injury.
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- If the room has a fireplace use a fire screen to prevent a child from getting to close.
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- Fireproof hearth covers are available to protect your child from the hearth’s sharp edges. (Click here for more information on FIRE SAFETY/INJURY PREVENTION).
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- Clean the chimney regularly and have it safety checked once a year.
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- TV stands or entertainment centers should be secured to the wall.
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- Keep lamps, cords, and decorative pieces out of child’s reach (away from edges of table tops).
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SAFETY AROUND THE HOUSE
- For staircases, use a safety gate. Gates will need to be placed at the top and bottom of stairs. Safety gates can also be used in doorways to block off rooms your child should not go in.
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- Monitor child’s development, allowing stair climbing only once walking is steady and the child has mastered the task.
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- Rugs can pose a problem for adults and children alike. If they are used in your home be sure to use skid pads or safety tape to help keep them in place.
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- Lock doors that lead to stairways or use safety covers on the doorknob.
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- Homes built prior to 1978 need to be tested for lead-based paint. Serious health risks, including brain damage and poisoning can occur when paint chips and paint dust are in the home. If lead-based paint is in your home it must be completely removed or covered with and approved sealant. Click here for more safety tips on POISONING).
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- Cover any unused plug outlets with plug guards. All outlets must have a plate cover on them.
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- Cover any electrical/extension cords with electrical tape or cord covers. Exposed extensions can trip up a child or an adult.
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- Hot water heaters should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. A child can sustain a third degree burn from water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in just a 3 second exposure. Always check bath water for hot spots by running your hand throughout the tub water.
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- Be mindful to fire hazards around the home. Use space heaters properly and look for frayed electrical wires. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Install and maintain fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. (Click here for more information on FIRE SAFETY/INJURY PREVENTION).
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- All firearms should be locked and unloaded. Ammunition is stored separately. Guns and ammunition are out of reach of children. (Click here for more information on GUN SAFETY/INJURY PREVENTION).
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- Never leave a sink, tub, or bucket full of water unattended. Dump all water after use; turn buckets upside down after use.
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Child proofing your home is one way to help ensure your child’s safety in the home. However, it is important to remember that child proofing your home is not in its self enough. Parental supervision is key to maintaining your child’s overall safety. Child proofing your home is therefore a great tool to be used to help maintain the child’s overall safety.
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