When babies arrive homeowners begin to see their house in an entirely different light. For the creeping or toddling child certain features of your home need new consideration.
The safety features and working order of the baby’s crib are often first considerations.
For all of us, regular checking of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers should be a regular seasonal practice. You need at least one working smoke detector and one working carbon monoxide detector on each level of your house including the basement. You should also have detectors in kitchen and hall areas and near or in bedrooms.
Every family should have a well thought out exit plan that takes into account alternate exits. This plan and practicing it is even more important when you add the critical addition of getting a small child out of a burning building as well. The plan needs to be that much smoother and well-rehearsed.
Make sure emergency numbers are beside each phone for quick access for a babysitter or nanny.
Plan ahead to child proof your home for an active mobile child. Here are things to consider:
Hazards before your baby grow and find them first. Here are some things to do before your baby is crawling:
- Electrical outlets not being used should have covers on them to avoid little fingers poking into them.
- All electric cords should be high enough to be out of baby's reach. You can tack them to the walls or tuck them behind vertical blinds or furniture.
- Make sure your furniture bookcases, TVs, and entertainment stands will not topple on your toddler if he pulls himself up on them.
- Pad all sharp edges and corners on coffee tables, end tables, or the fireplace hearth.
- If you have glass tables store them until your kids are grown or donate them.
- Put safety gates at the bottom and top of every stairwell. Block entry to unsafe rooms such as gun or play rooms.
- Place safety latches on all cabinets and doors.
- Medicines, cleaning products, and other potentially poisonous materials should be kept in cupboards up high well out of baby's reach.
- Remove decorative glass sculptures and any artwork that is breakable and/or has sharp edges.
- Avoid small objects that can cause choking.
- Replace real houseplants with silk ones or place them well out of baby's reach.
- Water temperature should be set lower than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can cause bad scalds.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/getting-ready/make-home-safe.html
http://publications.usa.gov/epublications/safefromfirenco/firesafety.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_5144550_make-house-safe.html
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/making_your_home_safe_for_your_child.html
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