The moment has come when your little one is standing on their own two feet and starting to explore the apartment. You watch with pride as your little one clumsily navigates the rooms, persistently trying to get in everywhere, touch everything, open everything, and… that's when you discover, to your horror, that your home is a ticking time bomb.Protecting your home from accidents involving small children is every parent's responsibility and a crucial aspect of caring for infants and toddlers. While your little one isn't yet walking, it's easier to manage safety around them. However, once they start moving around the house, immediately check what to look out for and secure these areas.
What areas should be kept child-proof?
Unfortunately, properly protecting your home from a toddler will require some effort. Many areas deserve attention. However, remember that our list is not exhaustive. It's impossible to predict what a toddler, who doesn't have a developed sense of danger, will get into. Never leave a small child alone without ensuring they are completely isolated from all dangers. But don't worry. With our list, you'll identify most of the dangers that threaten your child and learn how to address them.How to protect windows and balcony doors from children
Never leave a small child alone if windows and balconies are open. Also, remember that a clever child can pull a stool under the window and climb onto the windowsill. A backyard can be incredibly interesting for a child, and an open balcony can remind them of an apartment door, which, of course, allows access to the outside.
How to protect windows and balcony doors from children:- Close windows and balconies (they can be tilted open) if the child is indoors - a moment of inattention is enough for an accident to occur
- Install key-operated or push-button door handles on your windows. Remember that the key must be kept out of reach of children after use.
- Install opening restrictors on window frames, they can either block the frame completely or limit the window opening to a small gap.
How to keep stairs safe from children
A walking toddler has very poor coordination and can easily fall down stairs. While climbing up might be possible, descending is a serious hazard. Stairs should be restricted with a special gate at both the top and bottom.
To restrict children's access to stairs, install:- wooden or plastic barrier
- a roll-up gate resembling window blinds
- a special net protecting the stairs from children
How to keep contacts safe from children
Another serious hazard is electrical current, which an unaware child can electrocute themselves by touching electrical outlets and power strips. To protect your child from accidents, cover all accessible outlets with electrical outlet covers.
Remember about sockets located higher up, e.g. at the kitchen table, if your baby can reach it from his highchair, secure it as well.How to protect furniture from children
Furniture should be secured against children in several ways. All tall furniture , especially those that a child finds attractive for climbing, should be secured to the wall at the top to prevent it from tipping and falling on the child. All sharp edges at child's height should be protected with round corners or special tape. Cabinets and drawers containing small or dangerous items should be locked with special locks that a child cannot open. Other household appliances, such as a toilet or refrigerator, can be secured in a similar manner.
Additionally, be mindful of the carpet, which a restless child might slip or trip on. Try to get loose rugs with anti-slip backing, or avoid them altogether for a while.Keeping chemicals out of reach of children
A particularly important area is keeping all chemicals safe from children. Colorful bottles and capsules that look like candy are especially tempting. Ensure that your cleaning products are kept away from children, such as a locked storage unit or a storage unit. Cabinets where you store chemicals must be equipped with locks. Pay particular attention to where you leave chemicals while cleaning or doing laundry.
Consider whether you can temporarily reduce the amount of chemicals or partially replace them with natural products such as vinegar or baking soda.Attention, it burns - stove, kettle, fireplace, iron
It's crucial to protect your little one from scalding, which is common in an apartment. What seems obvious to us, like hot water in a kettle, can be a very painful and dangerous surprise for a little one. Be aware of all hot objects. Keep kettle and iron cords out of reach of little hands, as a curious little one could pull them and spill boiling water on themselves.
If possible, keep your child away from the kitchen while cooking. The stove, hob, and knobs can be covered with special panels and covers. It's also a good idea to cook on burners farther away, where your child can't reach them. Above all, don't leave your child alone in the kitchen while cooking.Other items to watch out for around your baby
You will find even more items in your apartment that may pose a danger to your child.
- Remove items on shelves that your toddler could reach and knock down.
- Prevent TVs from being pulled off the shelf
- Hide all sharp objects, scissors, knives, etc. Place a block of kitchen knives deep inside the countertop or on a higher shelf
- Hide all hanging ribbons and strings, such as blind cords or long cables, that your little one could get tangled in.
- Hide plastic bags away from your baby
- Remove all decorative magnets from your refrigerator.
- Keep pet food bowls out of reach of children.
- Keep all medications out of the reach of children
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