Home is where the heart is, not the danger. Or so you thought. What may seem just like a harmless and ordinary table can actually be a menacing square piece of wood with sharp corners. Well, at least if you have a very curious kid, which most people have. As good parents who want the best for their children, you want to provide a safe environment for your little ones to grow up. Well-intentioned as you are, though, some things may slip your mind (and the shelf). Don’t worry, you’re only human and it’s just reality not to be able to control everything (that’s right, mom, accept it). Precautions are your best bet, so read on.
1. Hidden Hazard: Table Corners
Babies, in particular, will hold on to anything for guidance as they learn to walk. Tables, sturdy as they are, become a good choice for these makeshift railings. Being in such close proximity to them, though, make them a landing ground as well for those first few stumbles. (Toddlers, on the other hand, just have a knack of running into things.) Sharp corners can cause cuts, especially dangerous in the area near the eyes.
Child-Proofing Method: Corner Cushion
It’s better to be safe than sorry with corner cushions that at least don’t disrupt the aesthetics of your wooden or glass table.
(Find these items at your nearest hardware store.)
2. Hidden Hazard: Tipping Furniture
Kids these days spend so much time indoors that the tree-climbing instincts of three generations ago have no venue for expression in their genes. When kids see a shelf, regardless of whether there’s a huge home theater speaker on top of it or not, it looks like a great prop to pretend to be King Kong. If you’ve rid the little one of monkey antics, though, such natural occurrences like earthquakes still can’t fight gravity; furniture perched on high places around the home can still tip over.
Child-Proofing Method: Wall Anchor and Anti-Tip Bracket
Wall anchors are screw-like fixings secure cabinets and shelves to the wall. The anti-tip bracket keeps appliances, like microwaves, in their respective holes in the wall.
3. Hidden Hazard: Colorful but Lethal Cleaning Products
Blame the animated commercial where the bottle has a big smile on its face as it sprays its contents unto a cartoon cockroach. Consumerism has made bug sprays, disinfectant solutions, and fertilizer mixes look hip and appealing. It may seem silly to your learned adult mind to think that they’re anything like Kool-Aid but kids may only see bright orange, green, and yellow stickers on these bottles and treat your under-the-sink cabinet like a make-believe refrigerator.
Child-Proofing Method: Child-Safety Lock
You can also opt to store the cleaning products somewhere higher.
(Find the housewares you need with EYP's help.)
4. Hidden Hazard: Stairs
We need them to get around, that’s for sure. Whether they’re two-step staircases or winding sets, let’s deal with the reality that homes have them. Depending on the style of your staircase, the design may be more prone to accidents than others. Those with wide, open gaps between steps or banisters are particularly hazardous to curious little people who might fit through them.
Child-Proofing Method: Stair Gate
Save yourself from injuries as well by making sure you don’t leave any toys or clutter at the top of the stairway. Big and small people can trip on them.
(Search for home care products on EYP.)
5. Hidden Hazard: Electric Outlets
You have to admit, there is a certain appeal to sticking something into the electric outlet. It’s just so tempting to poke at! Although, these thoughts might only cross your mind when you’re particularly bored and you have no idea of the risk of electrocution. Keep in mind that these electric outlets are practically at eye level for kids so then the thought just becomes a stroke of genius to them. This is one time to impose that you are smarter.
Child-Proofing Method: Outlet Cover
In any case, keep an eye out for when your kids are near electric wires.
