Helpful Tips to Toddler-Proof Your Home!
June is National Healthy Homes Month! This awareness campaign is designed to educate families about creating a healthy home and finding common health hazards. Keeping homes hazard-free is especially important when you have children who are unaware of the potential dangers around them.
In support of Healthy Homes Month, we want to share the importance of toddler-proofing your home. Household injuries are one of the top reasons kids under 3 visit the emergency room each year. Whether you are a new parent or have some experience under your belt, toddler-proofing can be a big task that takes on-going work. In case you haven’t checked lately, here are some tips to help you feel better about the safety of your home for your little ones.
Kitchen
Your kitchen is probably one of the busiest spots in the house. From preparing and cooking food, to dining and entertaining, many events take place in the kitchen. It’s important to take precautionary measures so that when your little one enters this space, they cannot reach sharp objects, open cabinets or drawers, or touch hot surfaces. While meals are cooking, remember to turn handles of pots and pans towards the back of the stove so kids cannot reach them and pull them down. It’s also a good idea to use safety latches on the refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, drawers, and cabinets to keep children away from silverware, scissors, and hazardous cleaning supplies. Some parents even choose to use gates to block access to the kitchen and minimize the risk of accidents.
Living Room
When it comes to the living room, there are often lots of colorful, decorative pieces that are eye-catching for toddlers. Think lamps, picture frames, candles, tables, rugs, and furniture. If one is knocked over or pulled into motion, accidents can occur resulting in broken glass, sharp debris, and more. It’s best to make sure all candles and matches are unreachable, furniture is stable and secure, and rugs have non-skid material. You can even switch your table out for a comfy ottoman to prevent injuries from walking or stumbling! The living room also tends to have technology devices such as TVs, game consoles, and other accessories. These usually have long cords or electrical components that must be covered or pinned out of reach.
Bathroom
Whether it’s the bathtub, sink, or toilet, tiny tots tend to gravitate towards the bathroom to explore and play with the variety of water sources available in there. However, it’s important to minimize the possibilities of your child slipping, falling, or even drowning. If there is any excess water left puddled on the floor, have extra towels nearby to help easily prevent slips & falls. If you have any cosmetic accessories such as a curling iron or blow dryer, make sure they are safely secured -- cords hanging down are tempting to pull! It’s important to use a safety latch on the toilet so kids cannot stick their hands or toys in the bowl. Your medicine cabinet and sink cupboards should also be latched closed so kids cannot access pills or other harmful substances.
These are just a few helpful tips to toddler-proof your home for a healthy and safe environment. At Buggie Huggie, we’re all about keeping kids safe, and little changes can make big difference. Remember: child-proofing is a temporary inconvenience that will likely save you from long-term damage!
Celebrate Healthy Homes Month by making sure your space helps your toddler play & explore in safe ways!