5 Things You Need to Know About Childproofing Your Home

Are you expecting a new bundle of joy in the near future? If so, part of your job as a parent is protecting your little one. What do you need to know about childproofing your home?  

You probably have no idea how dangerous the world can be from a tiny perspective until you become a parent. To you, it looks like a button. To a toddler, it’s a tasty new candy — until it lodges in their throat.  

It’s not enough to invest in locks and outlet plugs. Don your detective hat and sleuth out hidden dangers that you might overlook but could harm your baby. Here are five things you need to know about childproofing your home.  

Areas You Frequently Overlook   

You probably pay the most attention to your kitchen and bathrooms when childproofing your home. While it’s wise to do so, you must take care not to overlook frequent areas that can also pose threats.  

1. Garage

Your garage is home to multiple substances that can harm your child. For example, the ethylene glycol in antifreeze is so similar to the flavors of popular soft drinks that your kid might consider it bright green juice. Store it and other hazardous chemicals like antifreeze in a locked cabinet and clean up any spills.  

You shouldn’t keep some things in your garage at all. For example, a single spark can ignite a propane tank, engulfing your entire house and endangering you and your family. Learn to read labels on everything you buy, including storage instructions.  

2. Basement 

The scariest part of your basement might be the stairs. Many aren’t childproof, so please install a lock on the door leading to them and hide the key well out of your children’s reach.  

3. Home Office 

You might think about the outlets in your living spaces, but what about all those power strips in your home office? You need to cover those, too. Furthermore, does your desk feature sharp edges — and you have the bruises to prove it? Cover those edges with corner protectors to keep your child from running into them face-first.  

Furthermore, those cords are more than an eyesore. They’re also a hazard — keep them taped to the perimeter of your desk and walls to keep them from dangling.  

Why You Need to Keep It Tidy 

Maybe you got away with monthly vacuuming before you had kids. However, you’ll have to step up your game once your baby arrives. Crawling toddlers don’t have an innate aversion to food crumbs left lying on the floor — nearly everything goes into their mouths.  

Your best bet is to make checklists. Create one list for deeper cleanings you do once or twice a year and a second chore chart that you hang on your refrigerator and check off each week. What should you include? Here are some suggestions:  

1. Daily

• Pick up objects off the floor. 
• Empty trash cans in bed and bathrooms  

2. Weekly 

• Vacuum 
• Dust  
• Mop or steam-clean hard floors  

• Scrub kitchen and bathroom surfaces, light switches and remotes with antibacterial cleaners.  

How Far Your Baby Can Reach 

Your child enters the danger zone when they begin to crawl. Kids are wily and determined and can stretch much higher than you suspect.  

You might know that you should turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. However, what if their little fingers can reach the burners? Consider removing your stove knobs and investing in a guard to keep them from touching the surface, especially if you have a flat-topped electric model that takes a while to cool.  

The stove isn’t the only kitchen appliance that tempts tiny fingers. Those magnets on your refrigerator can quickly become choking hazards. Is your kiddo a budding arborist with their climbing ability? Get those knives off the counter and into a locked drawer.  

How Heavy Your Child Is 

Cabinet drawers aren’t the only makeshift “ladders” your child could find. Anything from multi-tiered entertainment centers to their bedroom chest of drawers can become a tipping hazard. When your little one puts their full weight on the wrong spot, the object topples, pinning them underneath.  

What’s the solution? Anchor such furniture securely with mounts, braces or wall straps. Do the same with your televisions and avoid placing heavy objects like vases on top of bookcases until your child matures past the monkey stage.  

Where Most Drownings Occur  

You love your backyard pool. However, you should know that the majority of drownings in children between one and four occur in such places. Please ensure you fence your pool area and keep the gate locked at all times — a requirement in many jurisdictions.  

However, please don’t think your baby is safe from drowning if you don’t have a pool. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water, meaning your toilet is hazardous. Consider using a toilet clip to keep the lid secured. Who knows? Having a baby might be what it takes to get an inconsiderate spouse to lower the lid at last.  

Things You Need to Know About Childproofing Your Home  

Your first job as a parent is to protect your child. Many of the dangers they face occur at home.  

Consider these five things you need to know about childproofing your home as you prepare for your coming baby. The steps you take now ensure a safer tomorrow.