Most of us probably know the basics of childproofing a home. Common sense would tell us that outlet caps, cabinet latches, corner guards and stair gates are a must with a crawling baby or a toddler around. Childproofing however can still go a long, long way.
CO Detector
You’ve probably heard of smoke and fire detectors but if you have a gas heater at home or in an adjacent garage, you also need a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Modern cars have gotten rid of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning but small gas leaks at home could still very much endanger your child. These helpful detectors should be installed near bedrooms or other areas for sleeping and lounging to prevent poisoning.
Coins, Keys and Trinkets
You’ve probably only thought of securing guns in locked cabinets and drawers but loose change, keys, trinkets, paper clips and other small items may also be harmful to curious little babies. These are common choking hazards and if your child manages to swallow them without choking, you’d still have to worry about throat injuries and how to get the foreign objects out. Make it a point to put small items out of reach and under lock and key whenever possible.
Phones
A lot of accidents can happen while you’re back is turned as you answer the phone. This is especially true if your baby is out of his chair or crib or is in tub water or wandering around the room. Do keep your eyes on your baby as much as possible and if you’re worried about important calls, get a cordless phone and carry it around.
Bathroom
Common sense would tell you that you should always put water temperature at a predetermined setting when you prepare your baby’s bath. If you have no water controls, then at least install an anti scald device. Make sure too to unplug all electrical devices that are not in use and install ground circuit breakers. Keep your baby away from or facing the other way as the water faucets. Your baby could get tempted to tinker with the faucets and get accidentally scalded.
Safety Netting
You know well enough that babies and kids shouldn’t be positioned near windows and balconies. Just in case they do find their way to such areas, you should have safety balcony netting just in case your child falls over. Make sure you regularly maintain or check the netting for frays and holes. Window guards are also sensible attachments but window screens may be too frail and not so helpful in preventing a fall.
Kitchen Appliances
Toddlers and even babies in the crawling stage are naturally excited about learning to use their fingers. They may already be able to turn oven knobs, open refrigerators and ovens and touch burners. Instead of barring your baby from entering the kitchen, get a hold instead of safety latches that you can install on all kitchen appliances and knob covers for burners, ovens and other similarly operated appliances. Stove guards can help protect your child from burns but it also makes sense to simply just ask someone to watch over your toddler somewhere else while you cook.