Each year there are approximately 4.5 million children injured around the home in the USA. Many of these incidences are avoidable by taking the time to childproof the home. The best way to childproof any home is to see the home from the point of view of the curious child and remove and reduce associated hazards. It is not always possible to prevent all injuries, but some steps will reduce the severity and frequency of injuries. Below are some of the easy steps to childproofing your home.

What is there in the house that can be dangerous to the child under 5?

• Anything that is left on a countertop or any surface that a child can reach
  • Things includes knives, glasses, pots, pans, pots and pan handles, etc.
• Cleaning solutions and chemicals
• Some plants
  • Make sure that you are aware of the edibility of the plants in your house, when in doubt, look it up! Also, note that the soil may be end up in your child’s mouth.
• Medications, either prescription or over the counter medications, herbs, and tinctures.
  • Keep medicines in their original packaging.
  • Move medications to cabinets that are too high to reach or locked.
• Sharp corners like those of tables, countertops and fireplaces.
• Electrical outlets
• Wires that are in the open and can be chewed
• Non-secure furniture (not fixed to the wall, especially bookshelves)
• Open stairways; going both up and down stairs
• Cords from window blinds and from electrical things, like lamps
• Pools, open ponds and ravines on property; it only takes 3 inches of water for a toddle to drown.
• Cabinet doors and toilet lids
• Plastics containing BPA or other harsh chemicals and metals
  • This can include bottles, plates, and water bottles. Be sure to read the labels and be aware of any recalls!
• Fireplaces and fire pits
• Open flame candles
• Plastic bags, like grocery, Ziploc, plastic packaging. Any soft plastic that could mold to the face.
• Small objects like magnets, small toys, hair elastics, etc.
• Stuffed animals or pillows, extra blankets in the crib
• Do the lids of toy chest have slow closing lids or do then slam shut? Are they heavy, movable, sharp?
• Second hand smoke
• Any guns in the home. Only buy guns with finger sensors to ensure the correct person is using it. Keep guns unloaded and locked in a cabinet.
• Any ladders to the roof, lofts, etc
• Rusty lawn furniture and play sets
• Any toys or unleveled surfaced along walkways or in the hall
• Choking foods or small objects

How can I tell if there is something unsafe in my house?

• If it is within easy reach of a child and can cause them harm
• It is sharp and in an area a child could reach or walk by
  • This could be on the carpet, a table corner, etc.
• When ingested it will or may cause harm or be toxic
• If you have any second hand baby stuff (car seats, cribs, etc.) make sure they have not been recalled, or have expired

How do I childproof my home and add security to the home?

• Get childproof locks
  • Make sure that doors are kept closed
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in the home. They should be placed in the bedrooms.
• Make sure that fire alarms are working and test them regularly
• Secure furniture to the walls with brackets
• Safety gates on the stairs at both the top and the bottom
• Use cord holders to keep cords short
• Get covers for base heater
• Make sure any firearms are securely stored, preferably in a locked safe
• Get electrical outlet covers or all outlets in the home
• Get rubber mats for under the carpet so they don’t slide
• Make sure that cabinet doors have safety latches on them
• Get clamps for the toilet to keep the lid secured

Additional ways that I can childproof and make my house safer:

• Dedicate specific areas of the house (or room) for child proofing
  • This could be having all chemical in one cabinet and having a lock on that door, but not putting locks on all the doors in the kitchen
• Make the switch from traditional cleaners to more natural ones
  • Try using vinegar to clean in place of chemical cleaners, etc
  • Be a conscious buyer, don’t bring things into the house you don’t feel are safe
• When cooking make sure that handles are not facing outwards where they can be pulled down by a child
• Make sure that there are no chairs or stools that allow a child to climb onto kitchen countertops
• Keep keys away from where children will find them to get into things they should not have access too
• Turn the thermostat on the hot water heater is set bellow 120°F (49°C)
• Keep areas that collect with water empty to prevent drowning risks
• Keep the home clear of clutter, have a place for everything
• Keep keys out of machines like lawn mowers

Remember that you can only do your best when it comes to childproofing the home. Make sure that you have the appropriate phone numbers for emergency services that you may need. On this list you should have the number for poison control, your family doctor, and the local hospital.


References:

Cronan, Kate. (2009). Household Safety Checklist. Retrieved on April 14, 2012 from: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/household_checklist.html

Green and Save. (2011). Home Hazards for Kids. Retrieved on April 14, 2012 from: http://www.greenandsave.com/articles/remodeling_amp_improvement/hazards_for_kids/home_h
azards_for_kids.html

International Association for Child Safety. (2012). Common Child Safety Hazards. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from: http://www.iafcs.org/page.asp?pg=Common+Child+Safety+Hazards