You’ve finally done it. After months (or maybe even years) of waiting and preparation, you’ve welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby into your family. Congratulations! Now that the hard part is over, it’s time to focus on keeping your little one safe and healthy as they begin to explore their new world.
One of the best ways to do this is to toddler-proof your home. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Start at the top and work your way down literally
It’s important to make sure your home is safe for your toddler. A good place to start is at the top – literally. Check for anything that might fall and injure your child, such as picture frames or heavy vases. Move these items to a higher shelf or put them in a closed cabinet.
Next, look at any low furniture that your child might be able to pull over on top of them. Anchor these pieces to the wall using brackets or furniture straps. Finally, focus on the floor. Remove any small objects that your toddler could choke on. Taking these precautions can help create a safe environment for your growing family.
Lock up chemicals and medicines
As any parent knows, keeping a toddler safe can be a full-time job. Curious and active, toddlers are often drawn to household items that can be dangerous if not used properly. It is important to lock up chemicals and medicines to help create a safer household for your toddler.
This includes items such as cleaners, detergents, pesticides, and any prescription or over-the-counter medications. In addition, it is important to keep these items in their original containers and clearly label them with warnings. By taking these simple steps, you can help to create a safe and healthy environment for your toddler to explore.
Keep an eye on the electrical outlets
While you may childproof your home to the best of your ability, there will always be dangers you may not be aware of. One potential hazard in your home is electrical outlets. It’s important to keep an eye on these, as they can pose a serious threat to your toddler.
If an outlet is not covered, a curious toddler could stick their finger or other objects into it, which could cause them to receive an electric shock. To prevent this from happening, ensure all of the outlets in your home are covered. You can purchase outlet covers at most hardware stores, which are relatively easy to install. By taking this simple step, you can help to create a safer household for your child.
Be aware of any stairs in your home
One of the most common household accidents is falling down stairs. To help prevent this, childproof your home by installing gates at the top and bottom of any staircases. You should also keep doors to any rooms with stairs closed and ensure that your toddler can’t reach any staircase by moving furniture away from it.
If possible, put a baby monitor on each level of your home so you can hear if your toddler is trying to access a staircase. By taking these safety precautions, you can help make a safer home for your toddler.
Make time for regularly scheduled maintenance checks
As a responsible homeowner with a toddler, it’s important to make time for regularly scheduled maintenance checks. This can help make your home safer for your toddler by identifying and fixing potential hazards, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems. Two of the most important maintenance checks you shouldn’t forget are electrical and plumbing maintenance.
Electrical maintenance tasks include checking for frayed wires, ensuring that electrical outlets are working properly, and ensuring that circuit breakers are in good working order. Electrical maintenance can also help prolong the life of your home’s electrical system.
For plumbing maintenance, you should consider employing the help of plumbing services. They can check for leaks, ensure that plumbing fixtures are properly functioning, and clean out clogged drains. They can also check for any plumbing issues that could potentially cause damage to your home.
You can help create a safer environment for your family by making time for regularly scheduled maintenance checks.
By following these essential tips, you can help create a safe environment for your toddler to explore without worry. Once again, remember to start at the top and work your way down, lock up chemicals and medicines, keep an eye on electrical outlets, be aware of any stairs in your home, and make time for regularly scheduled maintenance checks. Taking these precautions can create a safe and healthy household for your toddler to grow and thrive in.
