Walking for a child is a great accomplishment, but along with walking comes the concerns for their safety as they wonder from room to room. Being mobile and curiosity is a great recipe for an accident. Once you children begins to explore your home you should look for those accidents waiting to happen. The first place to start is on your hand and knees looking at your house from your child’s point of view. Every different house represents different possible hazards, but the following list will give you a starting point for things to look for in your own home.
Windows can be a safety hazard especially if they are above ground level. Using a locking device or window guard will prevent children from falling about, but you want to make sure you can get out easily in the event of an emergency. Windows should also be regularly maintained such as loose panes and missing putty. You also don’t want to put any furniture near windows that can be climbed on to. Lastly you need to look at the curtains covering the windows. Blinds with cords can be hazardous and should be tied up or cord shortened used.
Doors including sliders and screens should be secured at all times. For glass doors you should place decals on so your child can remember there is a door there. Also look for loose knobs too.
Electrical cords and outlets need to be moved behind furniture and fasten down. You don’t want to place cords under rugs out of the way because this will turn into a tripping and possible fire hazard. Caps or shields for outlets be children from placing objects in an outlet, but your child will still need careful supervision for the possibility of them pulling them out. It’s a good idea for them not to see you put them in. You cal also place furniture in front of outlets. The outlets you use often need to be grounded by electrician as regular maintained. You also don’t want to use multiple outlet power strips as there isn’t a way to protect them.
Keep lamp’s light bulbs, especially when hot or missing, out of reach of children. At night, the areas where you child might wonder if they get out of bed should be well lighted. If you choose to use nightlights, then remember to remove them during the day because the can be a safety hazard
Furniture can also be a safety hazard. Remember to push dresser drawers closed. Glass tables should be protected with a table pad or be temporary out of reach. Any unstable furniture should be kept out of the way until your child is steady enough not to use furniture to walk. Any bookcases or wall units should be fastened to the wall.
Lead paint, although it’s not used anymore, can be a hazard if you live in an older house. Lead paint was used in homes before 1960. Be sure not children or pregnant women are there when the paint is removed. After 1991, paint now has mercury fumes that should not be inhaled, but are safe after 48 hours.
Heat hazards, such a fireplaces, stoves, heaters should have protective grills or covers. Remember these items retain heat for a while after they are turned off. Also keep ash trays out of reach at all times.
Stairs need to have gates at the top and bottom and kept clear of all clutter. A well padded or thick nonskid pad at the bottom will provide some cushion if they do fall. Banisters, railings, and balconies should have no loose balusters or poles and there should be less then 5inches between each. If not, a plastic or firm mesh safe wall can be put around to prevent falls. There should be railings on both sides of the stairs with one low enough for you child to use.
Toy chests should be replaced temporarily by open shelves or bins, but if you chose the keep them they should have alight weight lid and a safe hinged lid. You should also drill air holes in case they get trapped. Rounded or padded corners should be used .
Cribs mattress’s should be at the lowest setting and anything bulky which cold be used as a step stone and any string toys should be removed. A rug or mat should be placed net to the crib if the fall. A toddler taller then 35 inches should be moved to a toddler bed with safety rails placed at least 2 feet from windows, heating vents, radiators, wall lamps, drapery, and blind cords. Toddles should not use bunk beds.
Miscellaneous items also to look for include houseplants can be a problem as some may be poisonous and all should be kept out of reach. Table cloths should be replaced with placemats to short cloths which don’t hang. If long table cloths are used, they should be secured so they can’t be pulled off. Heavy knickknacks and bookends out of reach and scatter rugs should have non skid backings and not placed at the top of the stairs. Don’t leave any standing water because a child can drown in even a few inches of water. Toddlers should not have any access to garage, basement, green house, or workshop.
The above hazards from big well known to the little things you wouldn’t like of, such as the bulbs in the nightlights will get you started towards making your house as safe as possible. Just remember there are other ways to also help your toddler be safe including your behavior and teaching your toddlers safety habits. All these ideas will help to keep them safe. Remember it will not protect them 100% and they will bump their head and scrape their knees, but you can rest in peace knowing the most dangerous items have already been taken care of.
