Toddler proofing your home

They know no limits and are natural thrill seekers that generally know nothing about fear. They will climb into and over things without any regard for personal safety and anything and everything that looks even remotely like food will be tasted as such. Toddlers run, kick, drop, punch and grab almost anything they can get their hands on and it’s your job to make sure your child between the ages of one and four doesn’t become one of the 2.3 million children that are accidently injured every year.

Sounds like a daunting task, doesn’t it? Well, starting off by toddler proofing your home can do wonders to make their surroundings safer. Remember the experts tell us most of the unintentional injuries children suffer on the home front are preventable. Here’s a few simple ideas that will keep their little bodies safe and sound while they satisfy what seems like a never ending curiosity.

Fast pair of hands

You should start in what’s considered the central hub of many homes. The kitchen is where families meet and eat and where the younger members gravitate toward. Taking a few minutes to see where possible danger lurks for the inquisitive young mind with a fast pair of hands is invaluable and getting in the habit of cooking on the back burner and facing pot handles inward are simple ways to prevent serious injuries.
Dangling cords are irresistible charms to toddlers so you need to be sure to wrap them up properly and put all electrical appliances safely out of reach when you’re done. Where possible, hot liquids like that morning coffee should be enjoyed in unbreakable travel mugs and any cleaning solvents residing under the sink need to be relocated to top shelves where they are far from reach. Generally, safety latches should be placed on drawers and cabinets and the pantry, if you have one, needs to be strictly off limits.

Batten down the hatches

Don’t forget there are other areas where you’ll need to batten down the hatches and the bathroom should be the next place in line. The toilet lid needs to be kept down and locked when not in use—there are a variety of latches you can buy that will save in costly visits from plumbers who need to rescue small toys and other objects otherwise. While you’re shopping for those devices, take a minute to consider a gate that you place in the door to the bathroom. It’s a one-size-fits-all solution to limit your toddler’s exposure to that room and curb the many temptations there.

Hard to reach locations

Whatever your plan of attack for the lavatory, remember to take a page from the work you did in the kitchen and make sure medicines and cleaners are safely tucked away in high up, hard to reach locations.
Of course, you can’t leave any stone unturned and no room should be neglected when it comes to toddler proofing your home. All your electronic equipment needs to be secured and you’ll need to stay constantly vigilant for choking hazards like batteries or small toys that have fallen on the floor or made their way under tables and sofas.

Read more info like this at All My Children.
Author: Rob Starr