I often get asked by many parents to come and install new outlet covers or secure furniture to walls. Baby-proofing is not always fun, but its a necessity. I am amazed by the number of houses I go to with the lack of safety precautions taken. This post should help you gain the confidence you need to tackle these projects, save some money by doing it yourself, and also help keep your family safe. There are many projects you can do to baby proof your house, here are the top 10 projects people are often scared to tackle themselves.
1. Secure All Reachable Cabinets (Including all appliances that open & close):
You don’t want your child to rummage through cabinets and drawers that may contain dangerous items like household cleaners, sharp objects or even heavy items that could fall on them. Appliances could also pose as a hazard. Dishwashers often contain knives or objects that could harm your child and ovens are often hot. Its not a bad idea to keep one drawer/cabinet open with “toy” dishes, pots and pans, that way your child can feel included in this area of the house. Don’t forget about cabinets/drawers in bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. There are many types of latches out on the market today. You should find one that works with the type of cabinets, drawers and appliances you have. If you aren’t sure, take a picture of your cabinets/drawers and take it with you to the store. A knowledgeable sales representative should be able to help you. I’ve included a few easy to install ones:
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2. Turn Down Your Water Heater Temperature:
Your water heater should be turned down to 110-120° F to prevent water related burns. You could be giving your child a bath and you or your child accidentally turn the heat all the way up on the water. By turning down the temperature, you can prevent any accidents like this from happening. You will also save on energy and money by doing so. Here’s how:
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3. Install Window Guards & Tie Up Strings to Blinds:
Window guards allow you to open up your window for fresh air but only about 4 or 5 inches at the most. Your child could easily slip through an open window and get hurt. A lot of these baby-proofing projects may seam overboard, but your child is not the only one you are trying to prevent from making a mistake. You may have guests come over to your house who aren’t around children all the time. They may open a window, not thinking its leading to any harm, but yet could be deadly to your child. These precautions are necessary to ensure everyone stays safe and happy in your home.
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4. Secure Furniture To The Wall:
Children love to pull up on things and climb. Bookshelves, entertainment units, and armoires are a big target. There are many fasteners you can buy to attach your furniture to the wall. We’ve included one here:
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5. Check Detectors:
You want to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If you don’t have them, get them! If you don’t feel comfortable testing these devices out or are ever unsure, please contact your local fire department and they will be glad to help.
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6. Replace Outlet Covers With Childproof Ones:
You don’t want children around electrical sockets because their natural tendency will be to stick something in them. Many people get child safety plugs to stick in the actual outlet, which is easy and efficient. If you are wanting to replace the entire outlet cover with a child safety one, here’s how:
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7. Install Toilet Lid Locks:
Yet another water hazard in the house. The toilet may seem harmless, but as statistics show, it doesn’t take very much water for a child to drown. Toilets are even more hazardous because its hard for a child to get out once they have fallen in. Aside from that, toilets are a cesspool of germs that kids should probably not play in. Lid locks may be irritating for grown ups, but child safety should always be your number one priority.
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8. Hide Electrical Cords:
Cords are dangerous for several reasons. They can be tripped over, they can be a choking hazard, and they are often electrical (and teething children will chew on just about anything!). There are several ways to hide cords so make sure you do your best to do so.
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9. Cover Sharp Corners and Edges:
Crawling or scooting children will bump there heads into tables and corners. Children who can walk and run will more than likely bump into a few things as well. Its important to keep sharp edges and corners covered to keep the bumps down to a minimum impact. You don’t want sharp objects hitting your child’s head, eyes, ears, etc.
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10. Baby Proof Door Knobs:
Another great milestone in your child’s life, your child can reach the doorknobs! They not only open up to a another room, but a whole new unsafe world. You would never want your child to wonder away outside on their own and you may also want to prevent your child from going into certain rooms of the house.
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Like I said before, there are MANY ways to child proof your home. The best judge of what and how to do it is you. I have picked these 10 projects because I feel they are the ones I get asked the most questions about and are great DIY projects to keep your child safe. No matter how many safety devices you install, you will always be your child’s best protector.
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