Child Proofing Your Home

There are numerous products on the market which are intended to help make homes safer.

• Plug covers protect outlets that are not in use, preventing children from sticking inquisitive fingers into the holes, preventing electrocution.
• Sturdy baby gates keep small children out of spaces where you don't want them, such as formal living rooms or staircases.
• Be mindful of the spaces between stair banisters where children could fit through them and fall.
• Cord winders pick up excess slack in mini-blind cords, which can strangle children.
• Toilet locks enable lids to be lifted with the flip of a latch for adults and other children, but keep toddlers out. People can drown in standing water more than an inch deep, including toilets.
• Drawer and cupboard locks keep small children out of bathroom and kitchen cabinets. However, you don't want cleaning solvents or other poisons stored in low cupboards when they figure out how to open them.
• Finger pinch guards wrap around the edges of your doors, acting like bumpers, so that tots cannot slam doors on their fingers.
• Doorknob covers are large plastic covers, which spin freely, unless you have a big enough grip and the hand strength to open them. They're great for doorknobs leading outside.
• Patio door locks are essential if your toddler can slide the screen or glass patio door open and escape.
• Make sure play areas are fenced in, and that gates are latched with padlocks or a catch that is too high for small children to open.
• Other latches are available for refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers, all airtight appliances where children can suffocate in minutes.
• Make sure your water heater has been adjusted to prevent scalding.
• Remove all electrical appliances in range of the bathtub or any other standing water. Unplug those that you don't remove.
• Little children love dials and buttons, like those on the toaster oven and microwave. Unplug them when not in use to prevent fire or electrocution.
• Cord winders are also available for standard electrical cords, keeping them out of the way so that toddlers cannot become entangled or tip them over.

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