DIY Home Safety Childproofing Tips for Parents

When you become a parent, your world is changed in ways that never before entered your mind—suddenly, your quiet, peaceful home is a place that requires vigilant watchfulness. From dangerous sharp corners to outlets that seem to beckon little fingers, your home is a minefield waiting to happen. Childproofing your home is well within your control, with a few easy steps that make your home secure for your little one. These safety features needn’t be expensive; with a little planning, your home can be a safe haven in which your child can play safely.

This blog is going to walk you through some of the most critical DIY home safety guidelines for parents, namely, how to childproof your home from the inside out. From plugging outlets to securing furniture, we’re going through everything that you need to know about getting your home safe and secure.

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Start with the Essentials: Safeguarding Electrical Outlets and Panels

Let’s start with something that comes to the mind of all parents: outlets. As soon as your child crawls or even starts to walk, they’ll be immediately interested in the curious little holes in the wall. Naturally curious, they’ll try sticking things in the outlets. That is when childproofing becomes more serious.

Outlet covers are your first line of defense. These inexpensive little plastic covers snap in and block the outlet from invasion. But while they do work, they’re far from foolproof. Toddlers are clever, and many can be taught how to remove them if they’re fitted poorly. A more long-term solution is to look at tamper-resistant outlets. These outlets are designed so that kids can’t stick things in them unless both the prongs go in at once. It is a simple but very effective solution.

Electrical safety is more than outlets, however. One place parents often overlook is the electrical panel. Your home is worth having the electrical panel inspected if it is old. In the event that it is outdated or worn out, then it’s time to do an electrical panel replacement. Not only does this make your home safer in general, but it can also make your electrical system more efficient. This is especially true if your home is old and the electrical wiring is most likely to be underpowered or faulty. Replacing the panel could be a critical measure against sudden power spikes or short circuits that can be hazardous.

Anchor Furniture and Heavy Items

The moment your child becomes mobile, they will be exploring all corners and crevices in your home. This is an exciting time as they become more active, but it also means that heavy furniture and objects need to be secured. Maybe the most serious hazard in any home is tip-over from furniture. Heavy bookcases, cabinets, and TV consoles are just waiting for a toddler to climb up them and tip them over.

Securing your home by anchoring your furniture is one of the most important things that you can do. Anchoring kits available in most furniture stores make it easier than it is. A few screws in the wall can prevent what could be a fatal accident. More anchors may be required for bigger furniture so that they’re much more stable.

And do not forget flat-screen televisions. They’re a favorite target for little hands that like to pull themselves up, and they can be knocked over quite easily if they’re not anchored. Many TV mounts allow you the option of hanging your TV on the wall, which keeps it from being a tipping object. Avoid having loose objects in your hair.

Children are notorious for putting things in their mouths—anything from small toys, buttons, coins, or loose paper clips. With your child getting more active, be particularly cautious about little things that can be choking hazards.

One of the simplest things that can be done is to keep objects that can be a choking hazard away from the floor. Sweep your home frequently for any object that is in your child’s range and would fit in their mouth. These can be loose coins, small fragments from toys, hairpins, and so on. You would be surprised at the number of things that fall on the floor that need to be picked up.

Toy storage is also a vital piece in ensuring your home is safer. Use storage bins with lids, and place toys in them after play. In storing your child’s toys, place smaller things in baskets or boxes that your child cannot reach until he is old enough to play with them safely. It would also be worthwhile to purchase toy boxes with childproof locks so that your child cannot play with particular things.

Bathroom Safety: Slips, Falls, and Burns

The bathroom is among the most dangerous places in the home if safety is neglected. With all the water, slippery floors, and hard surfaces, more safety precautions must be implemented in this room.

You should start with non-slip mats. A slippery tub is a recipe for accidents in a matter of seconds, so be sure to put rubber mats in the tub and on the bathroom floor. These mats can prevent your child from slipping and falling in and out of the tub.

Avoiding Accidents in the Kitchen

The most dangerous room in the house for young children is likely the kitchen, as it is full of hot surfaces, heavy appliances, and sharp objects. Childproofing your kitchen is all about keeping these hazards out of reach.

First, place cabinet and drawer locks in any area where you keep dangerous products, cleaning chemicals, or knives. There are adhesive locks that can be applied directly to cabinets and drawers. They are easy to install and hold things in place.

For your range and oven, consider purchasing a stove guard. These guardrails prevent your child from reaching the burners. Don’t forget to turn handles in toward the range so that they cannot be accessed. Store hot implements out of your child’s range as well. Your inquisitive toddler can be very tempted by the range, but a guardrail can minimize the chance of a burn.

Outdoor Safety: The Forgotten Frontier

It is simple to consider safety in terms of the home, but the outdoors is dangerous, too. In the event that your family does have a yard or outdoor space, it is important that it is childproof. Start by examining the fencing that borders your yard. Look for any holes or areas that a little one might be able to squeeze through, and fill them in accordingly. Double-check that gates properly latch so that your child won’t be able to leave without your supervision.

Also, think about what is in your yard. Mowing machines, garden equipment, and heavy machinery should be locked in a shed or up in a secure place. Garden chemicals and fertilizers should be stored in a secure place, out of the way of children.

Safety in the garage: Keep hazardous tools out of children’s reach

Where many parents focus on safety in the home, the garage is a frequently forgotten area that is full of hidden dangers. This is where dangerous tools, heavy machinery, chemicals, and even little things that can hurt your child hang out. To childproof the garage, start by locking all toolboxes and storage cabinets with secure locks. Anything that has sharp objects, such as saws, hammers, or gardening tools, should be placed completely out of your child’s reach behind locked doors. In the event your garage is home to a workbench or power tools, consider installing a childproof latch or a removable lid that little hands cannot remove. Another major concern in the garage is dangerous chemicals, such as gasoline, paint thickeners, or cleaning products. These should be stored in a locked cabinet that is way out of your child’s reach. In the event your garage is home to a trash can or compost bin, ensure that it is closed securely so your child cannot get in. By setting clear boundaries in the garage and storing dangerous items safely, you give your growing child an even safer environment.

Conclusion

Childproofing your home does not have to be a big, intimidating task. It is more about making a conscious, intentional set of steps in order to create a safer home. Securing furniture, outlets, and electrical panels and clearing choking hazards and dangerous objects from your child’s way can provide peace of mind in knowing that your home is a safe place for your child to play. Childproofing is never a one-time activity—it is something that is done repeatedly. As your child grows up and gains more skills, you will need to go back through your home and make changes in your safety features accordingly. Keep monitoring and adding safety features as your child grows and their needs evolve. The most important thing is always to be vigilant and make gradual changes so that your child is safe at all phases of their growth. A secure home is, in fact, a happy home!