Childproof your home - by Suzanne Dennis
Childproofing your home is essential for the safety of your little ones - and your peace of mind.
In the nursery
Examine the cot to make sure it is secure and ensure it has no cracks. Put an item of a similar weight to your baby into the cot to test that it can support the weight. Do not put anything in the cot that could cause your baby to choke, and don't give a baby a pillow until it's one year old. Never allow your baby to sleep with a bib on.
In the bathroom
Install toilet locks. These locks will prevent the toilet lid from being lifted by young children. Razors and scissors are better kept in an adult's bedroom or in a high cupboard. Hide all medicines. Set hot-water heaters no higher than 40 degrees Celsius. For safe bathing, a lower water temperature will reduce the chance of scalding your baby. Place a non-slip mat in the bathtub to prevent falls. Unplug appliances. Don't leave hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners, electric shavers or any other electric devices plugged in. Store these items out of reach (and definitely away from water)
In the kitchen
Always store glasses and precious china in a locked cabinet or in a high cupboard. Keep knives and other sharp tools, such as electric-mixer blades, in latched drawers. Use the back rings on your cooker when cooking. If you can't, place the handles facing towards the back. Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. But only attempt to extinguish a fire if it's small and contained. Otherwise, get your children out of the house and call the fire department from a neighbour's home. Lock household cleaning products, knives, matches and plastic bags away from children. All tablecloths should be secured to the table, so your child cannot pull anything onto him/herself
In the living room
Protect electric sockets with safety covers. Remove or shorten any cord that your child can reach. If you have glass doors, either replace them with wooden ones or have safety glass put in. Attach cushioned corner and edge bumpers to the sharp corners of a coffee table. You can also use them on fireplace hearths to soften falls against hard edges. Keep floors clean and vacuumed. Fix and repair all wobbly furniture and ensure all knobs are securely tight. Position furniture so that it can't be pulled over
In the bedroom
Keep small jewellery, perfumes, belts, scarves and ties out of your baby's reach. Never lock a baby in a room. Make sure closets can be opened from the inside, so that your toddler can't be locked in. you choose to use a baby monitor, the bedroom is probably the best place to use it. A standard baby monitor is relatively cheap; however, you can also purchase a video and audio monitor at a reasonable price.
On stairs and in hallways
Protect sockets with socket covers. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of your stairs. Make sure that hallways and stairs are always well lit. Don't leave toys or other items on stairs. Don't let your baby play in a baby walker near stairs.
In the car
Do a car-seat safety check. Is it properly installed (refer to installation instructions and vehicle owner's manual)? Use the centre of the back seat whenever possible - never in front of the passenger side if there is an airbag. Ensure there are no loose items in the vehicle that could become possible missiles if you are forced to stop quickly. Always check the temperature of the car seat and the belts before strapping your child into the seat.
In other living areas
Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Check that fire extinguishers are full. Place flashlights strategically around your home, with extra batteries. Bolt bookshelves and other large pieces of furniture to the walls. This will prevent the furniture from toppling over onto your child. If you have pets, discourage children from 「investigating〠food bowls by feeding them outside and away from entrances to your home.
Around the swimming pool
Make sure children have flotation devices and are supervised in any pool (even kiddy ones) at all times. If you have a gated swimming pool, make sure you use it.
With plants
Some houseplants are poisonous if you ingest them, so avoid displaying them in your home. Try to restrict plants to high areas, such as shelves or windowsills, to prevent children grabbing leaves and pulling pots onto themselves. Never leave plant food, sprays or tools, such as plant clippers, within easy reach.
Related Links on Squarefoot.com.hk
Home and Property Stories via our International Network
