A Child-Safe Home

When I took Annie for her one year check-up, the doctor provided information on child-proofing and safety tips for your home. Once a child becomes mobile, they want to investigate (meaning, they get into everything). When your child shows signs of mobility, you need to begin the child-proofing process. Be aware that they also begin to mimic and will watch what you do very closely. They will be interested in what you do in the kitchen, watching you clean and use appliances. So get smarty and keep your kids safe.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Be cautious of what is in your cabinets and drawers
• Doors and screens at stairways, storage/drawers and hazardous areas should be safely fastened
• Avoid glass and use plastic dishes and cups
• Check furniture for sharp edges and consider removing or adding padding to edges
• Use non-skid mats in the bathtub
• Install guards on windows above the first story
• Bookcases and televisions or other heavy electronics should be secured so that a child cannot pull them over
• Never leave a child alone in the kitchen, do not cook with child at your feet
• Turn pot handles to the wall and use back burners
• Remove knobs from the stove when not in use
• Keep matches locked up
• Cover electrical outlets with safety plugs
• Electric cords attached to coffee pots or other appliances should be kept out of reach
• Put guards in front of wall-heaters, fireplaces, steam radiators, hot air registers and floor furnaces
• Never leave an iron or curling iron within reach
• Toys should be unbreakable and not have small parts
• To prevent choking, do not give children under the age of two nuts, popcorn, chewing gum or hot dog pieces
• Never leave your child, even for a moment, while they are in the bath or near water
• Do not allow children to play in the driveway and hold their hand when crossing streets
• Consider setting your water heater at 120 degrees rather than 130 to prevent scalding
• The age of highest risk for poisoning is 1 to 3 years so keep household products in child resistant packages and locked up
• Teach your child never to eat or drink anything unless given to them by an adult to also avoid poisoning

Child-proofing can be a daunting task and there are resources out there to help. Carolina Baby Safe is one that many of us at Charlotte Smarty Pants have used. Cher Holcomb at Carolina Baby Safe will come out to your house for a consultation. With her tool belt and check list in tow, she will walk your house and provide recommendations for child-proofing your house. She can even point out poisonous plants, choking hazards and recommend where/how furniture or home items should be moved in order to make your home safe. She sells locks, latches and gates and will install for you. If you choose to purchase products from her, she will refund a portion of the consultation fee, or you can choose to purchase items on your own. The biggest benefit of the consultation is the knowledge that you will receive on child-safety. Cher told CSP that 60% of the consultation is education; the other 40% is actual product. She is fabulous and worth every penny. So be smarty about your child’s safety and contact cher@carolinababysafe.com. Also check out Ashley H’s previous article on Child car seat safety.

*Safety steps outlined in this article are general guidelines. Charlotte Smarty Pants, its writers and contributors are not responsible for any harm caused to any persons by the implementation of these guidelines or from safety guidelines/recommendations not included in this article.