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Here at Movoto Real Estate, we work hard to entertain, educate, and ultimately, make your life better with posts that range from the best cities to live in by state to how much Thor’s castle would cost here in the real-world. You know, the important things in life.
So today, we’re bringing you another pressing post—particularly for those of you who might be parents with babies and toddlers: How to childproof your home.
Sure, this may not have the entertainment value of, say, learning how many touchdowns it would take to pay off your mortgage, but for the almost 150 million Americans who are parents, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that these 10 tips might just help you out.
Also note—going out on a limb? Not a good idea for a toddler. Read on to find out what else you’ll need to know about child-proofing your home.
1. The Other Potty Training
It can be fun to watch your little one play in the bath. But watching them play in the toilet? Not so much. Remember to install a toilet lid lock. And here’s another water-related tip: be sure to turn your home’s water temperature down to a max of 110 degrees to avoid scalding water.
2. Close the Door on Glass Doors
Make sure to put decals on your glass doors, so they are clearly visible, and that no one, including you, will run into them. You should also put doorknob covers on your doors so that your little one can’t open them.
3. Eliminate Any Windows of Opportunity
Just like doors, windows can also suddenly turn dangerous once you bring a child home. Don’t worry, you can take care of this pretty easily. Install window guards so that windows can’t open more than six inches, and use common sense—don’t place the cribs, playpens, high chairs, or climbable furniture anywhere near the windows. And if you must, be sure that the cords for the blinds are tied up out of reach and the windows are closed—and preferably shatter-proof. Just in case.
4. Find Safety in Safety Plugs
There are plenty of hurtful and dangerous things around most houses that we don’t even think about. Electrical outlets, for example: Be sure to fill any unused outlets with safety plugs—even check for outlets behind and beneath furniture that you may have overlooked.
5. Too Young for Caving
Aside from electrical outlets, the fireplace is another mystery that toddlers just can’t wait to explore. So be sure to surround your hearth with some kind of cushiony barrier—think couch cushions or even store-bought barricade.
6. Keep Jack and Jill in the Storybooks
As soon as babies start crawling, the stairways in your home become an accident waiting to happen. The good news is, there are baby gates. It is recommended that you put a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs to prevent them from heading up, as opposed to placing it at the top, to prevent them from heading down. Why? Because some adventurous kiddos can climb up a gate, and then they’d fall from an even higher height.
7. Secure Your Furniture
Furniture really can be dangerous for a new baby. Get rid of, or put away, any unstable furniture that your baby could pull over, and fasten tall pieces of furniture, like bookcases, to a wall, as they could be easily pulled over in bouts of climbing.
Make sure you keep all your drawers closed completely, as open drawers are also an invitation for curious climbers. Remember, you don’t even need to be able to walk yet in order to climb.
8. Put Away Harmful Products
Lock away or put up any medications or cleaning products. You can use childproof locks for your low cabinets, like underneath the sink; or just move harmful products to the highest shelves. Crawling and curious babies like to taste things—even if they shouldn’t.
9. Cover Up Your Pool
If you have a pool or a hot tub, be sure to invest in a good, sturdy cover. You may not even think that babies and toddlers will be able to find their way to the pool, but just in case they do, cover it up.
10. Don’t Pander to Your Child’s Curiosity
The kitchen is the heart of your home—until your baby starts crawling; then it is just an accident waiting to happen. In your kitchen, make sure all handles of pots and pans are facing toward the back of the stove or counter—yes, even if you’re not cooking. If you are cooking, be sure to use the back burners when possible.
Teach your child early on that the oven is “hot” and should not be touched.
In Short
Take a deep breath. Raising a child can be challenging, but remember one simple thing: use common sense.
