Baby proofing your home - an added layer of protection

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By Samantha Wilson

Ahh - the pitter patter of tiny feet racing across the floor is music to a new parent's ear. The question is, is the music a beautiful rendition of Beethoven's fifth symphony, or the theme song from Halloween? Keeping a curious toddler safe inside and outside of your home can be a daunting task for some. However, it doesn't have to be.

Accidental injuries are the number one reason that children visit hospital emergency rooms across the country. Yes, accidents do happen, but most can be prevented by using some simple and effective solutions that don't have take a lot of time or money.

Start by:

• Designating "off limits" rooms. You don't need to baby proof every room in your home. Determine what rooms you will allow your toddler to be in and lock off all other "off limit" rooms.
• Removing valuable or fragile items that you do not want to get broken. Store them in the "off limits" rooms. You can redecorate your home after your toddler has grown past the curious and destructive stages.
• Looking from their level. The world looks a lot different from two feet off the ground - and often toddlers see small, potentially dangerous items that we don't notice from an adult height. Get down on your hands and knees and take a look at each room that your child will be permitted in from their eye level.

Rooms to Avoid

The kitchen is the most dangerous place for your toddler and often difficult to make completely "off limits". Stoves, ovens and other heavy counter top appliances are usually within little arms reach- not to mention poisonous chemicals, cleaning detergents and hot water. Supervise at all times, and be sure to apply appropriate baby proof products to be safe.

The bathroom can be extremely dangerous for small children, and not just because of exposed razors, medications and other toxic chemicals. The toilet poses a particular risk of drowning and is often overlooked. Toddlers are top heavy and have limited balance. Water is attracting, and so is the toilet. Tragic accidents have occurred when toddlers have reached into a toilet to play with the water and tipped in head first. Unable to get out, they drown. Keep the bathroom strictly "off limits" unless you are with them bathing or potty training.

Finding the right products.

There are numerous products on the market that will help you baby proof your home. Most can be found at your local department store. The internet has numerous articles and tips on how to baby proof your home. Just type "baby proofing" into any search engine and you will return multiple articles.

Be sure to install products correctly and check them often. Unfortunately, even the best can break with over use and need to be replaced.

To be sure you have covered all areas inside and out take one last look and ask yourself two questions:

Could my child be injured by anything in this room?
If so, what can I do to prevent my child from being injured?

Then do it.

Child safety products are a necessity. However, they are only an added layer of protection, nothing beats adult supervision.

Samantha Wilson ©