Posts Tagged ‘Toddlers’

Home Safety for Toddlers and Small Children

If you have toddlers in your home, then safety is obviously a big concern. They are big enough and mobile enough to go just about anywhere but they little to no understanding of how dangerous some things might be. So, you know that you need to toddler-proof your home but how do you go about it?

A great place to start is by placing ‘baby gates’ at the top and bottom of the stair case to prevent injuries. Be sure that you purchase a gate that is sturdy and can be easily fastened to the wall, railing or some other solid surface on or near the stairs. Even with a baby gate, never leave a toddler unattended near the stairs.

Next on the list to put child safety latches on all cupboard and cabinet doors the child could possibly reach. Remember, toddlers can climb! Pa extra attention the cabinets under the kitchen or bathroom sink or anyplace you store medicine, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals or poisons. In the garage or storage shed, store all weed killers and chemicals in a locked cabinet and place the key in a location where your child cannot find it.

When it comes to toddler safety, prevention is the best method. Store your child’s books and toys at their level so they do not have to climb to get to their favorite game or stuffed animal. If your child has a lamp, fan or other electrical appliance in his/her room, tuck cords safely behind furniture so the child cannot pull anything down on himself.

Avoid choking hazards by keeping young children away from small objects, pieces of toys, and small pieces of board games. Read manufacturer instructions for all toys and follow their guidelines. Buy only those toys and games that are appropriate for a child of a particular age. Place plastic safety plugs in electrical outlets so the child cannot stick his fingers in the outlet.

One aspect of home safety that is often overlooked is mildew and mold. Mildew and mold can cause serious illness and injury in adults and toddlers alike. Mold or mildew can be the cause of allergies and asthma in small children. Install a dehumidifier in any damp areas to mitigate the moisture in the air.

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Baby Proofing for Toddlers

As soon as baby takes his first steps, the world suddenly seems a whole lot more accessible to him. Those interesting drapes, those colorful books on the shelf, and grandma’s glass knick knacks on the coffee table are now within his reach. Raising a toddler is much different from raising a baby. Here are ten quick ideas to make a toddler’s environment a safe place for him to learn and explore.

1. Hide all Cords

Exposed electrical cords and pull-strings for blinds are very tempting for toddlers. However, they put them at risk for electrocution or strangulation. Hide electrical cords and use a cord-shortener for your blinds.

2. Remove the Trash Can

Trash bins are treasure troves for small children and often contain items that could harm them. Keep your trash bin in a locked cabinet or in the garage.

3. Cover Electrical Sockets

Electrical socket covers are a necessity with small children. Kids really do stick small objects into sockets and may get shocked.

4. Lock up Medications and Cleaners

Never leave medications, cleaners, bath oils, nail polish remover, or beauty supplies on the counter. They may be poisonous when ingested. Keep these items in a high, locked cabinet.

5. Never Leave Coins or Small Objects on the Counter

When cleaning out your pockets of purse, don’t leave coins, buttons, or other small items on the counter. They are choking hazards. One may be surprised how high little arms can reach to grab interesting objects off counters!

6. Bolt Bookcases to the Wall

Tall and heavy furniture should be bolted to the wall. Book cases and dressers are especially dangerous because children may climb them and they can tip. To prevent accidents, screw heavy furniture to the wall or purchase specifically designed straps to secure them.

7. Keep Knives, Glass, and Appliances up High

Sharp objects, glass, and small appliances should be stored in high, locked cabinets. Be especially wary of the contents of lower cabinets, even if they are latched. Your child may outsmart the latch. Never store cleaning chemicals in a floor-level cupboard.

8. Cushion Sharp Furniture Edges

While your toddler is first learning to walk, it may be wise to cushion sharp furniture edges. Corner guards and soft bumpers protect toddlers from hurting themselves on the pointed edges of low tables.

9. Use Gates and Doorknob Covers

If there are areas of the house that are not thoroughly childproofed, secure the doorway with a baby gate. Door knob covers are excellent ways to keep children out of rooms as well. It is advisable to put doorknob covers on any door leading outside so that little explorers cannot leave without supervision.

10. Install Baby Gates at the Top and Bottom of Stairs

Stairs are extremely dangerous for young toddlers, so install baby gates at the top and bottom. The type that screws into the wall is preferable, because pressure gates may be pushed over. Also, use railing guards if your balusters are more than 3 inches apart.

Is It Okay To Put A Baby Gate In My Toddlers Doorway?

My son will begin sleeping in a toddler bed. I am concerned about him getting up in the night, and wandering. A baby gate cannot be placed at our stairs with out some serious construction. Would it be okay to put a baby gate up in his doorway?