We should try and make our homes as safe as possible
for our children. Even when your home is child proof you must remember
that your child is very curious and could get around the proofing that
you have done. But taking small safety measures can prevent injury to
your child. Here are a few home safety products to childproof your home:
- Safety latches and locks should be used for closets and cabinets
in the bathroom, kitchen, garden closet etc. Make sure all poisonous
things like detergents, garden chemicals, fertilizers, medicines
should be kept locked in these closets. In the kitchen things like
knives, forks and other sharp objects should be locked as well.
- Safety Gates should be used at the top of the stairs to prevent
the child from falling down them. Ensure that the children cannot
unlock them and the bars should be close enough that the child
cannot stick his head through it.
- Prevent your child from going into areas that dangerous by using
doorknobs and door locks. Knobs should break easily.
- Anti-scald devices should be used on showerheads and faucets to
prevent accidental burns.
- Smoke detectors should be used in every room of the house to
protect against fire injuries.
- Window guards, window screens, safety netting should be used on
windows and balconies to prevent the child from falling out.
- The edges of sharp furniture and fireplaces should be protected
with corner and edge bumpers to prevent injury to the child in case
he falls down.
- To protect the child from electric shocks plug points should be
covered with outlet covers and outlet plates. They should be such
that the child cannot displace or remove easily.
- Carbon monoxide detector should be placed in bedrooms so that any
change in the amount of CO can be detected to prevent CO poisoning.
- Window blind cords should be kept short to prevent the child from
strangling himself.
- Doorstops and holder should be used to prevent the child from
injuring his fingers and hands.
- Buy a cordless phone so that you can keep an eye on your children
even when you are on the phone.
- Plastic bags should be kept out of reach of children as they may
put it over their head causing suffocation.
- Do not plant poisonous plants in your garden that can be
dangerous to your child.
- If you have a pool ensure the door to the pool is always kept
locked and ensure that the children do not go to the pool
unsupervised.
Buy safety products that are safe for your child. Make sure that
they do not have any small parts that the child can swallow easily. Once
you buy the devices install them correctly and use them properly.
Devices should be such that protect the children and allow the adults to
operate easily in case of an emergency. Safety products should be
checked at regular intervals to ensure that they are working properly.