How to Make Sure Your Home is Safe for Children

Start with a Safety Assessment

Key Considerations:

1. Get on Their Level: Crawl or walk through the house at a child’s eye level to identify hazards such as sharp corners, unsecured furniture, or accessible electrical outlets.
   
   
2. Evaluate High-Traffic Areas: Pay extra attention to spaces where children spend the most time, like living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
   
   
3. Inspect Outdoor Areas: Don’t overlook patios, backyards, and driveways, which may have their own unique risks.

Secure Furniture and Fixtures

Tips for Securing Furniture:

• Anchor Furniture: Use brackets or straps to secure bookshelves, dressers, and other heavy furniture to the wall.
  
  
• Mount TVs: Ensure televisions are mounted securely to the wall or placed on sturdy stands out of reach.
  
  
• Stabilize Appliances: Prevent tipping by securing appliances like stoves and refrigerators with anti-tip brackets.

Childproof Electrical Outlets and Cords

Steps to Childproof Electrical Areas:

• Install Outlet Covers: Use tamper-resistant outlet covers or sliding outlet plates to block access.
• Organize Cords: Bundle and secure cords using cord organizers or covers, keeping them out of reach.
• Unplug When Not in Use: For added safety, unplug appliances when they’re not being used.

Safeguard Windows and Doors

How to Make Windows Safe:

• Install Window Guards: Add window guards or stops to prevent children from opening windows too wide.
• Avoid Furniture Near Windows: Keep furniture, cribs, or other climbable items away from windows.
• Use Cordless Window Treatments: Replace blinds with cords to eliminate strangulation risks.

Childproof Doors:

• Add Door Stoppers: Install door stoppers or pinch guards to protect little fingers.
• Use Safety Locks: Place locks or latches on doors leading to dangerous areas, like garages or basements.

Create a Safe Kitchen

Kitchen Safety Tips:

• Secure Cabinets: Use childproof locks to secure cabinets containing cleaning supplies, sharp objects, or small appliances.
  
  
• Install Stove Guards: Prevent burns by adding a stove guard and using back burners when cooking.
  
  
• Store Items Safely: Keep knives, glassware, and other dangerous items in upper cabinets or locked drawers.
  
  
• Avoid Tablecloths: Remove tablecloths or placemats that children can pull down, potentially causing spills or breakage.

Ensure Bathroom Safety

Tips for a Safer Bathroom:

• Install Non-Slip Mats: Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on bathroom floors.
• Add Toilet Locks: Prevent curious toddlers from playing with or falling into toilets by installing toilet seat locks.
• Store Medications Securely: Keep all medications, vitamins, and personal care products in locked cabinets.
• Adjust Water Heater Settings: Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding.

Address Choking and Small Item Hazards

Ways to Minimize Risks:

• Inspect Toys: Ensure all toys are age-appropriate and free of small, detachable parts.
• Store Small Items Securely: Keep batteries, coins, and other small objects in locked drawers or high shelves.
• Vacuum Regularly: Regularly clean floors and under furniture to remove small items that could become choking hazards.

Install Safety Gates

Choosing the Right Gate:

• Use Hardware-Mounted Gates for Stairs: These are more secure than pressure-mounted gates and are essential for staircases.
  
  
• Opt for Adjustable Gates: Choose gates that can fit various doorways and openings.
  
  
• Avoid Older Gates with Wide Gaps: Ensure the gate design meets current safety standards to prevent entrapment.