We should try and make
our homes as safe as possible for our children. Even
when your home is child proof you must remember that
your child is very curious and could get around the
proofing that you have done. But taking small safety
measures can prevent injury to your child. Here are a
few home safety products to childproof your home:
Safety latches and locks should be used for
closets and cabinets in the bathroom, kitchen, garden closet
etc. Make sure all poisonous things like detergents, garden
chemicals, fertilizers, medicines should be kept locked in
these closets. In the kitchen things like knives, forks and
other sharp objects should be locked as well.
Safety Gates should be used at the top of the
stairs to prevent the child from falling down them. Ensure
that the children cannot unlock them and the bars should be
close enough that the child cannot stick his head through it.
Prevent your child from going into areas that
dangerous by using doorknobs and door locks. Knobs should
break easily.
Anti-scald devices should be used on
showerheads and faucets to prevent accidental burns.
Smoke detectors should be used in every room
of the house to protect against fire injuries.
Window guards, window screens, safety netting
should be used on windows and balconies to prevent the child
from falling out.
The edges of sharp furniture and fireplaces
should be protected with corner and edge bumpers to prevent
injury to the child in case he falls down.
To protect the child from electric shocks
plug points should be covered with outlet covers and outlet
plates. They should be such that the child cannot displace or
remove easily.
Carbon monoxide detector should be placed in
bedrooms so that any change in the amount of CO can be
detected to prevent CO poisoning.
Window blind cords should be kept short to
prevent the child from strangling himself.
Doorstops and holder should be used to
prevent the child from injuring his fingers and hands.
Buy a cordless phone so that you can keep an
eye on your children even when you are on the phone.
Plastic bags should be kept out of reach of
children as they may put it over their head causing
suffocation.
Do not plant poisonous plants in your garden
that can be dangerous to your child.
If you have a pool ensure the door to the
pool is always kept locked and ensure that the children do not
go to the pool unsupervised.
Buy safety products that are safe
for your child. Make sure that they do not have any small parts
that the child can swallow easily. Once you buy the devices
install them correctly and use them properly. Devices should be
such that protect the children and allow the adults to operate
easily in case of an emergency. Safety products should be checked
at regular intervals to ensure that they are working properly.
