Your family has just moved into your new home. You’re still unpacking a few things. Have you given serious consideration to the hidden hazards a new home presents for your children? You won’t want to wait a second to begin childproofing your home. By following my simple checklist, your home can be quickly safeguarded for the little ones!
Kitchen
• Utilize drawer and cabinet locks.
• Lock up household cleaners, cutlery, and china.
• Use edge cushions on countertops and islands.
• Unplug small electric cords and velcro tie out of reach.
• Install stove knob guards.
• Use appliance locks on the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.
• Use a stove guard.
• Make sure your trash can has a lid or store in a locked cabinet area.
Living Room
• Use fireplace gates to keep the young ones at a safe distance.
• Anchor televisions with safety straps.
• Place fireplace accessories, lamps, and breakables out of reach.
• Keep recliners in the closed position.
Bathrooms
• Install faucet and knob covers for the bathtub.
• Use anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads.
• Get non-slip tub mats and shower mats.
• Use a toilet lock to keep the lid down.
• Put a cabinet lock on your medicine chest or get a medicine safe. Keep all potentially hazardous items in it, such as toiletries, cosmetics, razors, hairdryers, curling irons, etc.
Bedrooms
• Install a bi-fold door lock on bi-fold closet doors to keep young ones out and prevent pinched fingers.
• Secure TVs, blind cords, and breakables.
Stairs
• Place safety gates at the top and bottom of every stairwell.
• Make sure there is a handrail along the entire length of the stairs. Or add a child-accessible handrail.
• Install a transparent banister shield if banister posts are more than 3″ apart.
Doors
• Use door knob covers and safety gates to put basements, garages, and other rooms off limits.
• Install childproof locks or deadbolts to prevent outside access.
• Install finger guards on fast-closing doors.
Electrical
• Use outlet covers to shield all electrical outlets.
• Use power strip covers on surge protectors.
• Use cord shorteners to eliminate slack or secure cords to the wall with wire guards. Cord tubes can help for bundling.
Furniture
• Use furniture brackets or straps to secure bookshelves, dressers, and wall units to the wall. Use TV anchors.
• Use corner and edge shields to cushion dangerous edges of coffee tables and dressers.
Windows
• Use cord protectors on blind and drape cords.
• Place window guards on second-story windows.
Childproofing your home is an ongoing process. Most experts recommend re-checking your home every six months. But be prepared to install new safeguards as your children grow taller, stronger, and smarter!
Do you have any advice for childproofing a home? Please leave them in the comments below.
And if you’re thinking about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!
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