Whether you’re expecting your first child or welcoming the youngest of multiple children into your family, you have a lot of priceless moments to look forward to over the coming years. Before your child arrives though, it’s important to take the necessary steps to childproof your house. Doing so will reduce the risk of your child being harmed by unsafe furniture, easily accessible stairways, hot stovetops, or unsecure swimming pools.
In this article, we discuss some common hazards in the home that may be especially dangerous for young children and how to minimize the risk to them as much as possible.
What Are the Biggest Household Threats to Small Children?
Small children are naturally curious and may be unable to recognize unsafe conditions. This can directly result in a number of dangerous situations if your child gets their hands on something potentially deadly or explores a part of your house that is unsafe for toddlers. Some of the biggest threats to curious children include:
How to Childproof a Home
While there are steps you can take to make your home safer for young children, it’s important to stress that it’s virtually impossible to fully childproof a house or apartment. By keeping a close eye on your child, you can establish an extra level of protection and make sure they aren’t getting into anything dangerous. In addition, you can implement some of the childproofing tactics below.
Use Child-Safe Covers
Limiting access to dangerous items by covering them can reduce a substantial amount of risk to your child. Child-safe covers for outlets can prevent your child from sticking their fingers or an item into the outlet and significantly lower the chances of an electrocution accident. Installing window guards reduces the risk of a fall. Any items capable of heating up to a dangerous temperature, such as your stovetop or radiator, should be equipped with protective material.
Install Protective Devices
Your stairs, furniture, and other household items can pose a serious threat to your child’s safety. You can take measures to make your home a safer place for toddlers and young children by:
- Using anchors to keep heavy furniture and appliances from falling over if pulled or pushed
- Installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairwells to prevent falls
- Using anti-scald devices on shower heads and faucets to lower the chances of a water burn happening
- Placing bumpers on sharp corners, such as the ends of a table
- Using secure door locks and door knob covers to limit access to rooms or parts of your house that aren’t adequately childproofed
- Installing cordless window coverings to reduce the risk of strangulation
Secure Dangerous Materials
All chemicals, medications, and other compounds should be secured in a cabinet or storage space with a durable childproof lock to prevent poisonings. Small objects, such as puzzle pieces or small toys, should not be left on the floor or anywhere a toddler can get their hands on them. Candles, lighters, plastic bags, and matches should be put away in a secure place. If your home has any weapons, make sure they are locked away.
Make Your Pool as Safe as Possible
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “more children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.” If you have a private swimming pool, it is absolutely essential to childproof it as effectively as possible. The best way to do so is by using what is known as “layers of protection.” Layers of protection refers to using simultaneous childproofing methods to reduce the risk of an accident.
To begin with, ensure that your pool is fully enclosed with a barrier, such as a fence or exterior wall. Make sure that a child does not have enough space to crawl under or through the fence. Doors leading to the pool area should be self-locking or feature an alarm, and you may consider adding a pool alarm as an additional level of protection. Never leave your child unattended on the pool deck, even if you just need to go inside to grab something quickly.
Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms Frequently
House fires or gas leaks can put your entire family at risk. Make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home, including outside of all sleeping areas. Every level of your home should have at least one smoke alarm. Check alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly and replace the batteries annually. Alternatively, you can use ten-year batteries.
Protecting Your Child By Creating a Safe Home
Although it is impossible to entirely minimize any chances of an accident occurring in your home, thoroughly childproofing your living spaces can reduce the risk of serious injury or death. We hope this article helps you keep your child safe and healthy as they grow up in your home.
