Making Your Home Safe for Your Toddler
Mishaps around the house are the leading cause of death in children in North America. Toddlers in particular are curious and want to explore their surroundings with their new found mobility. But all too often, their curiosity gets them into trouble.
Many of these incidents, however, could have been avoided completely. All you need to do is implement a few simple precautions. If you want to keep your child from harm, follow these toddler safety tips for your peace of mind.
Around the House
* Any items of furniture that can easily tip over, such as a bookcase, must be secured to the wall with brackets.
* Use doorknob covers to keep your toddler out of rooms that pose potential hazards. As well, she won’t be able to escape from the house when you’re not watching.
* If you have blinds on your windows, make sure the cords aren’t looped. If they are, hang them out of reach. Young children have been known to strangle in them.
* Electrical outlets should always have protective covers. This prevents small fingers and other objects from being inserted into them.
In the Kitchen
The cabinets and drawers in your kitchen should all have safety latches installed. This helps prevent young children from accessing your cleaning products, many of which are toxic. As well, they won’t be able to get hold of sharp objects such as knives or scissors from the drawers.
When you’re cooking, use the back burners of the stove. Keep the handles of your pots and pans turned in so that they’re out of reach for your toddler. When you’re using the oven, block off access to it to avoid accidental burns.
In the Bathroom
You’ll also need safety latches on the cabinets and drawers of your bathroom. Household cleaners and medications must be locked away where your child can’t get at them. Unplug electrical appliances such as your blow dryer or curling iron immediately after use. Put them somewhere where your child can’t reach them.
If you have a toddler, you need a toilet lock to keep the lid down. Because toddlers are top heavy, it’s not hard for them to fall into the toilet when they’re exploring it. Remember that a small child can drown in less than an inch of water. So it’s essential to supervise them in the bathroom at all times.
Check your house carefully for any other potential hazards. Take care of them right away. Having toddlers in the house can be a time of joy when you don’t have to worry so much about their safety.
