Basic Child Proofing Guide

28 March 2010

For your child proofing project all that you need is a bit of practical judgment for locating areas and substances that have the potential of causing harm your crawling baby. Once that is done all that you need for child proofing your home is available online and in stores.

• The first place you need to child proof is the stairway. More child accidents are caused by a fall from the stairs than anywhere else. Install safety gates at the top as well as bottom of the staircase. While pressure gates may serve the purpose for the bottom, it is advisable that you install a wall mounted safety gate at the top. Pressure safety gates may give way if the child leans and puts more pressure on them.
• You may also want to safety gates for restricting the child’s entry to the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Install door locks on doors leading to the garage, swimming pool, attic and basement. Ensure that there are placed high enough so that a small child cannot access them even by standing on a chair.
• For the front and back door you can use door knob covers. Door knob covers are temporary fixtures meant specifically restricting small children from opening doors.
• Child proofing electric outlets is something that should not be ignored at all. As the child explores his new environment, his curiosity is likely to make him poke his finger into the electric outlets. Buy outlet covers and cover all electric outlets at eye level of a crawling baby and those within the reach of a small child who is able to stand.

Potentially Dangerous Substances

There are so many things that keep lying around the house that can cause harm to your baby.

• You would want to keep soaps, chemicals, cleaning supplies and sharp objects like knives, screwdrivers and other tools and chemicals at places that are out of reach of your baby who is out on an exploration trip. You have no idea how innovative a child can be at reaching places that you think are out of his reach. The better idea is that you install safety locks on drawers and cabinets and move potentially harmful substances in them.
• As the baby sees you dressing up in front of the mirror he is likely to pick up your toiletries from the dressing table. Move whatever you use for face make-up and perfumes, especially aerosol cans, to a drawer and install a safety lock on it.

When child proofing your home, you can never be too careful. The baby’s mind, although immature, is a storehouse of mischief. The fact is that the baby is simply exploring his new environment and does not have any idea of dangers lurking ahead.

This primer provides an introduction to some of the most common child proofing idea. Explore your home like a baby and try to assess the protection your child needs for growing up in a safe environment.