As a mom, nothing is as important as protecting our little ones from the outside world and making sure any place they spend their time is completely child friendly. What might seem like a harmless obstacle to an adult can put a child at risk of injury. Sometimes these obstacles are in our own homes, and without knowing it, we might be putting them at risk. This can be especially daunting when you move to a new place, because now there’s a whole new list of precautions you need to take in a new place. You’re still trying to figure out how the space is laid out, and that takes some time. In the meantime, what are the basic initial child-proofing actions you can take to make sure your toddler can roam freely?
It might be overwhelming to get started, so we decided to create a list of things you can do initially to make your home safer.
Patio
If you’re moving into an apartment, it’s highly likely you’ll have a patio and even if you’re not on a high floor, this can be treacherous for your child. Here some initial things you can do to make your patio safer.
- Inspect the deck or patio flooring to make sure there aren’t any loose boards, tiles, nails or anything someone could trip over.
- Inspect the railing to make sure it’s sturdy and stable. Also make sure the railing gaps are closed off with plexiglass if they are anything over 4 inches wide.
- Move any furniture or platforms away from the railing so that your kids can’t climb onto the railing.
- Make sure the door and windows to the patio are secure with clasps and locks, and keep them closed at all times unless you go outside with your kids.
Bathroom
The bathroom can be a very dangerous place for kids, there’s water, gadgets and many other hazards. It’s very important that you secure as many things as you can. If you want to make sure bathroom safer, here are few steps you can take.
- Put razors, scissors, hair remover cream, even shampoos and conditioners out of the reach of your kids. Storage baskets at adult height would be best.
- Put cables away so your child doesn’t trip over
- Slippery rugs can cause an injury to your kid and to you too. Make sure you always go for the rugs that adhere to the ground.
- Make sure all taps are shut tightly and secured.
- Until your kid is old enough, make sure they go into the bathroom supervised.
- Keep the door locked at all times and make sure the door handle is out of children’s reach.
- Check for any areas with leaks, like behind sinks, toilets and next to bathtubs. Get a plumber to come in a fix this as soon as possible. According to this Melbourne plumbing company, “bathroom leaks do massive damage to your home, lead to mould, and even serious injuries. Getting them fixed is of utmost importance for the safety of your family.”
Decorative Pieces
As pretty as decor and home accents can be, they also have potential to be hazardous if they aren’t childproofed. Here are few things you can do.
- Make sure mirrors aren’t just leaning on walls, hang them up and make sure they are secure. Also keep them away from places your child frequents.
- Coffee table corners can really hurt, so make sure you have those covered up as well.
- Keep plants out of reach since they can be poisonous.
- Make sure your rugs are non-slip, and if they aren’t, invest in a non-slip mat to go underneath.
- If you have any tablecloths or table runners, remove them when you’re not using them and don’t let the sides of it just hang off the table, because your child can pull at those.
- Mount your TV so that’s safely out of reach.
- If you have any bookcases or shelving units, make sure they are firmly planted to the floor of wall and that they aren’t wobbly.
Childproofing your new home will give you much needed peace of mind that your kids are safe. You might not be able to get everything done immediately, but it’s key to get the basics out of the way as soon as you move in. That way, both you and the kids can enjoy your new space and explore new surroundings without you worrying about anyone getting hurt. Ultimately, it’s always good to do these things well in advance so that it’s well thought through. It’s something you won’t regret.
