How to Childproof Your Home

Perhaps you already have a toddler in the house or maybe you are expecting soon. In either case, childproofing your home can save you a lot of headaches. Remember that just about anything in your house can be a potential threat to the safety of your toddler. But don't panic. Here are a few tips to child proof your house:

See it from the perspective of your baby

Your baby will soon be crawling all over the place. To ensure that their safety is not compromised, what you need to do is to see things from their perspective. Investigate your space. By making a few minor adjustments here and there, you can childproof your home.

Inspect your kitchen and bathroom

Childproofing your home doesn't involve redoing your bathrooms and kitchen. You only need to make minor changes. Take a look at your stoves and kitchen cabinets. If you have a stove with front knobs, you should consider getting it replaced by a model with rear knobs. Or you may want to buy a model with a stove lock.

Your kitchen cabinets should have childproof locks. If your existing cabinets cannot accommodate childproof locks, you should install new doors or handles. Slamming toilet lids can harm your baby's little hands. You should consider installing a toilet lid that closes slowly. Installing a good toilet lid lock is another good idea.

Secure your furniture

Secure your shelves, bedside tables and dressers to the wall. This is very important if you have a little climber in the house. Ideally you should secure all freestanding structures that may fall over.  If you have blinds that operate with strings, you should find some other arrangements. This is of utmost importance.

Install childproof locks

Toddlers are an adventurous lot. Your windows and doors should have childproof locks. If you don't have them, you should get them installed. Besides ensuring your peace of mind, childproof locks may impress potential buyers with young kids should you decide to sell your home in the future.

Install safety gates on stairs. You can also use them to prevent your child's access to certain areas like workshops or garage.

Get it fenced

If you haven't already installed a fence around your property, you should definitely get it installed. This will prevent the child from straying onto the road. If you have fencing around your property, you can let your children play outside without having to worry about their safety.

Install smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are a must whether or not you have young babies in the house. Installing and maintaining a smoke detector is easy. You should also keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. You need to ensure that your baby will have no access to it. In all likelihood you will not have to use it; however the fact that it is there should give you some peace of mind.

Develop safe habits

A few good habits will go a long way in childproofing your house. Always close drawers, lids, and doors behind you. Small objects are choking hazards. If you find any on the floor don't forget to pick it up and put it away. You also need to clear clutter.

Cover all electrical outlets. Check your stove and electrical appliances frequently just to ensure that they have not been bumped on. These are simple precautions that every parent can take and they make your home safe for your child.