Here are thirteen fantastic helpful tips from ChildProTech –
1. Check that cords are in good condition and not knotted or coiled. Do not attach extension cords to baseboards or walls with nails or staples.
2. If young children are in your home, use child safety caps on wall outlets.
3. Lock medicines, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies in a secure cabinet.
4. Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls. Don’t use towel racks or wall mounted soap dishes as grab bars; they can come loose, causing a fall.
5. Install baby gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
6. Install toilet seat locks; turn over all buckets and store them up high, where they cannot be collect standing water or be reached by children.
7. Install window locks or safety guards on all above ground windows. Be sure they have a quick-release mechanism in case of a fire.
8. Keep window treatment cords and sashes tied and stored up high overhead; purchase new mini-blinds that meet safety standards.
9. Use exterior locks to prevent smashed fingers. More children end up in the ER due to smashed, pinched and cut off fingers from drawers and cabinet themselves than what’s lurking inside. Use sliding or flex locks on cabinet handles t prevent children from squeezing fingers and toes into cabinets and drawers.
10. Swap out tablecloths and runners for placemats. When toddlers first begin to learn to walk, they’ll use anything to pull themselves up, including tablecloths and runners – which can bring everything on the table down on top of them.
11. Tie up dangling cords on window blinds. Since 1991 at least 130 children have strangled on loose window covering cords. Get rid of extra length on curtain cords and pull cribs and beds away from windows.
12. Install toilet lid locks in all bathrooms. This protects not only children from injuries or drowning, but it prevents toys and other items from being flushed down and potentially damaging pipes.
13. Anchor bookcases, dressers and TV stand to the wall using L brackets. Each year, thousands of children are injured or crushed due to heavy furniture tipping over. To easily tell which furniture pieces are in danger of tipping over, test each piece of tall, heavy furniture by nudging it. If it moves, secure it to the wall.
For more information on child proofing your home, visit http://www.childprotech.com
Stay Safe!