If you think that leaving your children in the house is much more safe than to let them to let them run around in the yard or with their friends, think again. Indeed, a house can be filled with hazards. But there are good news. In the house, you can work at preventing the risk of injuring, or at least reducing them. This can be done by using devices specially made to increase young children’s safety around the house, but also by increasing hazards awareness among other members of the house (your spouse, older brothers and sisters, tenants, etc).
Children and baby safety devices are usually affordable. They are also durable. You can purchase them in different locations : at the hardware store, the baby store, the drug store or even conveniently through the internet. Safety devices or products are products that should block young children access to hazardous objects or places in the house, but should also be fairly easy to use for parents.
It is very important that you do some research and read reviews before purchasing your safety material, because if your device is not working, you may as well save your money and go without one! Or on the other hand, your new childproof device could be working just fine (i.e. protecting your child), but so hard to use by you that you may end up having to buy a different one anyway.
The only way to have total effectiveness of your new baby-safety product is to follow the user’s manual. Do not try to improvise a new way of using such or such device, do not use screws or material other than the one provided by the manufacturer and read the installation manual carefully. Good and correctly installed child or baby safety devices will last you several years and will keep your little one out of trouble.
To help you, we have put together a list of child and baby safety products you might want to learn more about.
1) Baby safety gates : Having some friends over? Vacuuming the house? Cooking dinner? Or simply taking a shower? There are 84600 second in a day, it is impossible for a parent to keep an eye on their loved ones every second of the day. When you are unable to keep a close eye on baby, the best way to keep your little one out of trouble is to enclose them in a room hazard free, until your hands are free. Having an usually built or wide room? Opt for an extra wide baby gate. Some of them extend as much as 108 inches wide! Baby safety gates should be sturdy, designed so baby can climb up the gate, and pinch and choke free. Preferably, it should be easy enough for an adult to open it to walk through, but difficult enough for children to open.
Extra wide baby gates, such as those designed by North States, will restrain you children into safe areas of the house.
2) Safety latches/locks : Babies and young children are well-known curious creatures. They love to discover, and the closet, the drawers or the cupboards are a world full of treasures. Soap, “Windex”, medicines, matches and sharp objects are only a few of the interesting treasures found in those places… The use of safety latches and locks will greatly reduce the chance of injuries and poising. Safety latches and locks should be easy enough for an adult to remove, but sturdy enough to stop a child from removing it).
Are you cupboards childproofed? Think about adding some safety latches.
picture credit: moppet65535
3) Outlet covers : Keys, crayons, toys, children may try to sneak anything in an outlet. Outlet covers will protect your child from the dangers of electrical shocks or even electrocutions!
4) Corner and edge bumpers : Children are clumsy, like to push each other and easily tumble or fall. Protect them from sharp and hard edges by adding corner and edge bumpers on your furniture.
5) Furniture anchors : Protect your children from furniture that can tip over, such as TVs, stands, bookshelves and much more. By anchoring the big furniture to the wall or the floor and by adding anti-tip brackets to free standing ranges, you will greatly decrease the chance of serious injuries from a tipping piece of furniture.
6) Pool safety products : If you own a pool, it is essential that you own pool safety products. Whether you have children or not. Remember that even if you do not have children, other children may be interested by your pool, including friends, family or neighbors’ kids. Use a barrier that will surround the entire pool. The barrier should consist of at least of a 4-foot tall fence, with a self-closing and self-latching door (it should be closed and locked when the pool is not been used by anyone!) If you backdoor leads directly to the pool, install an alarm or add a power safety cover. A sliding door glass, even closed, is not considered a safety barrier to the pool.
These are only a few of the way you can childproof your house. There are many more types of baby safety devices. Every once in a while, it is a good idea to surf on the government website to look for products recalls. By keeping yourself knowledgeable of what is going on, you will make your house a much safer place for your kids.
Kayla, author for Extra Wide Baby Gate.
Note : Remember that this website was made for your information solely; it is your ultimate responsibility to look into your child’s safety. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s safety, please talk to your primary care provider, your physician, your child’s pediatrician or any professional able to give you professional advices. The author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences following the use of the suggested products and any consequences which could result from reading or following the information contained in this webpage.
