HOW TO CHILDPROOF YOUR HOME WHEN YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME…

You found the perfect home for your family and you have moved in. You are so happy to have a perfect home and a perfect family. Everything is perfect. You can’t stop imaging your new home with your baby growing in it. You can’t wait to see your little one start to crawl, and walk and run…

With your child’s growth being a major part of your new house there comes a responsibility to child proof your house completely. Experts say that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to get severely hurt by fire, burns, drowning, choking, falls or poisoning. Unintentional injury is one of the top killers of children.

Now don’t panic, just take a deep breathe and go through the tips one by one.

·         Kitchen: Install safety latches on all cabinets and drawers. Anything you know might be poisonous needs to be kept out of reach of children. Medicines should be strictly kept away in lock. Candles and matches should be kept away as well. A toddler might chew on the wax and choke.

·         TV: If a child tries to climb on a TV stand, the set can fall on her. Mount your television securely on the wall, if possible. TVs on stands need to be anchored to the wall too: Slip industrial-strength Velcro straps through the air-vent holes and connect them to eye hooks that you screw into the wall.

·         LIVING ROOM: Sweep your floors thoroughly. Make sure there are no small and sharp objects that might hurt the baby or make the baby swallow such items. Pick up any coins, marbles, beads, paper clips, and other small objects you find on low tables or the floor or in low drawers or cupboards. Install safety gates if you have stairs. All electronic cords should be childproofed.

·         BATHROOM: Rubber spout covers can protect your toddler from bangs and bruises. The most common types of amputations in kids involve fingers and thumbs. You can buy devices that keep doors from closing all the way, or simply drape a towel over the top.

·         NURSERY: Make sure to take out dangling toys or curtain cords to avoid strangling. Avoid placing baby’s crib near the window. Use only the crib that has met the most current safety standards.

Editor: Neha Charan