Posted by MAM Online Team on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 @ 02:28 PM
No matter the age, children are always inquisitive and curious about the world around. As they get older and increase in mobility their need to explore grows and can sometimes lead to trouble. As a parent it is important to make sure that your house is a safe environment for your child whether they are 1 day old or 2 years old. Here are a few tips from Parenthood.com for making your home safe:
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Be sure the crib mattress fits snugly. You should be able to slide just one finger between the mattress and the side rails and headboard, so your child can’t slip between the mattress and crib.
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Set your water heater to 120 degrees F or below.
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Keep coins, small toys, nail scissors, and balloons
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Shorten drapery and blind cords.
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Lock any potentially dangerous substance in an upper – level cabinet. This includes alcoholic beverages, household cleaning formulas, laundry supplies, medications (including nonprescription varieties like vitamins, children’s Tylenol or Advil), paint, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, lighter fluid, bug spray, pesticides and fertilizers.
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Keep a bottle of Ipecac and activated charcoal in your home, but use only when instructed by a medical professional.
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Cover every electrical outlet in your home with a child-resistant outlet cover (the plastic plugs are easy to pry out).
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Place screened barriers around fireplaces, radiators, and portable space heaters.
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Install hardware-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways with two or more steps. Pressure-mounted models may not be strong enough.
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Position audio/video equipment so children cannot pull televisions or stereos off furniture.
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Secure bookshelves, entertainment centers, and bureaus to walls since they can topple onto children who use furniture to pull up and stand.
For additional safety tips on baby-proofing your home please visit Parenthood.com.
Is your home ready for baby? What have you done to keep your baby safe?