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Baby-Proofing Your Home
4/27/2021 (Permalink)
Are you expecting? We know that the top priority for Charlotte, NC, parents is to keep your children safe. To help keep your family safe we have created a helpful guide to baby-proof your whole home. So, whether you are expecting your first child, updating your home, or are moving into a new space, it is important to make sure your home is safe for your children.
Start Big
When you start baby-proofing your home, start broad. Fix any broken windows or cabinet doors, check for splintering floors or loose nails, and look around for peeling paint. Check smoke detectors and install new ones if needed. If you live in a historic home, have paint checked for lead. Check your water heater for leaks and turn the temperature down below 120 degrees to prevent any baths that could be too hot for your baby. For any upright furniture in your home, add an anti-tip kit to prevent furniture from falling.
The Kitchen
The next step is the kitchen. With sharp knives, heavy cookware, and cleaning chemicals the kitchen can be a dangerous place for babies. We recommend installing a baby gate if your home allows it. Whether you can install a baby gate or not, extra safety precautions should be taken. Install cabinet locks on all cabinets to keep little fingers out of dangerous places. These should be used on drawers too as they can contain dangers too. The next step is to remove any chemicals from below the sink, or other cabinets that are low to the ground and move them to a locked cabinet that is out of reach.
If your dining table has a rug underneath it we suggest removing it until your children are older. Rugs can create instability which could cause your table to wobble or even fall over. You will likely also find yourself cleaning spilled food out of your carpet quite often.
Living Room
The living room tends to be where families spend most of their time, and where children often play. With such a high traffic play area it is important to protect children from any collisions or falls. If you are shopping for new furniture, opt for soft corners and high-performance fabrics that resist stains and are easily cleaned. If you are keeping existing furniture, cover any corners with stick-on corner covers.
Any unused electricals outlets should be filled with childproof coverings to prevent electrocution or a fire mishap. Blinds can also be a safety concern. Cords on blinds can easily become a strangulation hazard, prevent this with cordless blinds or swap them out for curtains.
The Nursery
Your baby will likely spend a lot of time in the nursery, so it is important to keep this space cozy and safe. Add plush carpeting to protect your baby from falls. Opt for an accent wall rather than hanging art on the walls above the crib or changing table. Accent walls are a great way to create interest in a room without having anything your baby can grab and pull down.
Bathroom & Laundry
The bathroom and laundry room can be dangerous with medications, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies. Move all of these dangerous items to locked cabinets that are out of reach of small children. Adding a lock to the toilet is a smart way to prevent curious children from coming into contact with germs or crushing little fingers.
SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County knows that keeping your children safe is your number one priority. We are dedicated to keeping you and your family safe which is why we write these helpful articles. Keep checking in for more information on your home and safety.
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