How To Safe-Proof Your Home For Toddlers

As you probably already know, toddlers enjoy exploring wherever they go, making it nearly impossible to keep them safe. However, as a parent it is your responsibility to make sure your child is safe at all times. With that said, this task is not as easy as it may seem. In fact, some parents will end up pulling their hair out, before their toddler can be left on its own without risk of danger. Below, you will discover several tips to help you safe-proof your home.

Receptacle Wall Plugs

One thing you will notice as your young child continues to grow is they enjoy sticking things into holes. And, since they enjoy exploring, there is no doubt that they will eventually find your wall receptacles. The tiny holes in the receptacles are specifically designed for the prongs on an electrical cable. Since children are not aware of this fact, they will tend to find things of their own to stick into the holes.

Plug covers are the only prevention to keep children from accessing the prong holes in an electrical outlet. These covers are designed to fit into the outlet to secure the holes off. However, when you purchase these covers, it is important to note that some manufacturers will offer versions that are extremely easy to remove. To eliminate this issue, some brands offer covers with a parent key, which will only give you access to the outlet.

Store Poisons In A Locked Cupboard

As mentioned above, toddlers love to explore because they know there is always something interesting to discover. In 2014, 42,032 children died as a result of unintentional poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While a retractable baby gate will work marvelously, it should be combined with other gadgets and techniques.

Most household products contain chemicals that can cause serious injury or death to young children. These items should be stored in a locked cupboard, so children cannot access them. Medications should also be stored in a locked cupboard. While some parents believe their children cannot access their medications in a tall kitchen cabinet, this is not always the case. Some children love to climb, so there is no doubt that the medications stored in a tall, unlocked cabinet are sometimes accessible to children.

Put Coins In A Secure Piggy Bank

Approximately 21,000 emergency room visits each year are related to children who have swallowed coins. Toddlers are interested in any item that glimmers and shines. Toddlers find silver coins, refrigerator magnets, soda bottle caps and other small objects interesting. It is important to keep all of these items out of children’s reach.

Many people get in the habit of bringing their change home and throwing it on the top of a desk or shelf. However, when you have children this habit must be retired. In fact, the only way to keep the change out of the child’s reach is to put it in a piggy bank that does not have a stopper. You can find these banks at most retail stores, so be sure to pick one up for your home.