Baby and Toddler - Safety Devices

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By Michael Russell
Every year, 2½ million kids are hurt by hazards in the home. Parents can prevent these accidents by using a few precautions. Keep in mind that any safety device you buy should be very sturdy and you should read all the directions first. If you have older kids in the house show them how to re-latch the safety device and make sure they do it each time. Nothing is 100% childproof; a very determined child can disable them. You could have a professional come in and childproof your home, but you can do it much cheaper. It is not hard to find safety devices at a hardware stores, baby store or just about anywhere.

Use safety latches on your cabinets that contain cleaning products. You can use these latches in the kitchen, bathroom and on drawers that keep knives and other sharp objects. These latches should be easy to install and sturdy enough so when a child tugs on it, it will not open easily. These latches make it much more difficult for a child to get to things that are unsafe and hopefully they get discouraged trying after a while.

Safety gates are a must if you have stairs in the home. These gates can help prevent falls down the stairs. For the top of the stairs, gates that screw into the wall are best because they are more secure. Gates can also keep children away from rooms that are unsafe for them. Make sure it is a gate that you can open easily. All the new gates must meet guidelines set by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Make sure none of your old gates d have "V" shapes that are large enough for your child's headto fit into. This could be a choking/strangulation hazard.

The use of door knob cover and door locks will help to prevent children from getting into rooms that are dangerous or hazardous like swimming pools. The knob cover should be sturdy enough not to break, but easy enough for an adult to open if they need to open it in a hurry. Do not rely on self latching locks to prevent children from entering the pool area. A lock should be placed high and out of reach, a lock that you need to secure each time.

One of the safety devices that you need to use may require the professional help of a plumber. A plumber may be required to install anti-scald devices. Set your hot water temperature to 120 degrees. You may want to consider using anti-scald devices for your shower heads or faucets.

There is one safety device that is a must, but surprisingly not used often enough. Smoke detectors need to be installed on every floor of your house and near bedrooms that you sleep in. You need to check your smoke detectors once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Some people use the daylight savings time to remind them to change their batteries. You may want to use a ten year battery, just make sure you check it monthly.

To help prevent falls from windows, use window guards and safety netting. This can help prevent very serious falls. Window screens are not effective at all in preventing falls Check and make sure that there are no more than four inches between the bars on the window guard. Make sure you have at least one window in each room accessible in case of fire.

Bumpers made for the table corners and edges are used to prevent injuries from a fall near the table. It will help soften the fall. Make sure they stay securely on the furniture or table.

Outlet covers and outlet plates are best in preventing accidental electrocution. Make sure that they can not be easily removed by children. Outlet plates are a little more expensive but it is more difficult for children to get an electrical shock.

Along with smoke detectors, you should get a carbon monoxide detector. Place these outside bedrooms. Households that should use these detectors are homes that have gas or oil heat and houses with attached garages.

You need to cut or use safety tassels or inner cord stops to help prevent children from accidentally strangling in blind cord loops. On the older miniblinds you need to cut the cord loop and remove the buckle and put safety tassels on them.

Using a cordless phone will make it easier to watch your children if they are in potentially dangerous areas like pools or bathtubs. Or you can just not answer the phone until you are in a situation that you can talk freely.


Michael Russell
Your Independent Baby and Toddler guide.
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