Kid Proofing Your Home
Yesterday being the clutz I am, I tripped over a baby stroller while strolling myself down Fifth Avenue there is a baby boom going on right now.! It seems like everyone has got a little bambino by her (or his) side. It made me think back to my own diaper-changing days and how concerned I was about turning my home into a safe haven for my son. All new parents should start thinking about baby proofing their homes, even before their precious bundles start expressing their natural curiosity. Of course, your home should already be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. But better to get baby proofing now, because when the baby starts toddling you could be too busy to remember these eight simple safety steps. All of the equipment is available at baby stores and home centers even your local hardware store:
1. City dwellers in particular must install window guards to help prevent falls from windows, terraces, and balconies. It’s the law! Screens are not enough. There should be no more than four inches between window guard bars. Make sure that one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window guards cost around $12 per guard.
2. Use safety latches and locks on all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers to stop little ones from getting access to household cleaners, medicines, liquor, and knives or other sharp objects. Such latches generally cost $2-$3 each.
3. Inexpensive plastic outlet and plate covers help prevent electrocution. Get the best they are cheap, less than $10 for a pack of 12. You want to make sure they are difficult for children to remove, and big enough so as not to present a chocking hazard.
4. Cut all window blind cords and use safety tassels and inner cord stops to help prevent strangling. Better yet, now if the time to replace your old mini blinds with new ones that already have safety features to prevent child strangulation. Depending on the size and style, new blinds range from $15 – $100 each.
5. Safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.
6. Oven knob covers cost about $9 or $10 for a pack of five. They prevent curious hands from the stove and potentially filling the house with gas but are east for adults to open so meals can be prepared easily.
7. Cut those corners with corner bumpers. These soft rubber edge covers can be placed on sharp corners on coffee tables, fireplace hearths and other furniture with right angles. Furniture bumpers cost about $1 a piece. While you are at it, pick up a few doorstops they help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed. Doorstops cost about $2-$5 each.
8. Clean up! Keep small objects, like buttons, coins, rings, off of all floors and surfaces, as they present chocking and swallowing hazards. Large glass vases and other breakable items should be stored high up, where your child cannot reach them. Finally, give your bundle of joy lots of love!
For more fix it advice read my books “Room For Improvement and “Invest In Your Nest”! Or please visit my website www.barbarasway.com for my latest solution oriented home products.
“If I Can Do It So Can You! Barbara K
