**How to Baby-proof Your Home**
Every year, around 4.5 million children under the age of 14 suffer injuries in their own homes, and tragically, 2,700 lose their lives. It’s so important to take precautions to protect our little ones. Read on to find some friendly tips on how to baby- and child-proof your home effectively.
**Electrical outlets:** Grab some budget-friendly plastic safety plugs, which are widely available, to cover any outlets that aren’t in use. This small step can bring you a whole lot of peace of mind.
**Electrical cords:** Don’t overlook frayed or cracked cords—make sure to repair them with electrical tape. Whenever you can, tuck cords behind heavy furniture or secure them high on the wall, out of sight and reach.
**Telephone and window blind cords:** Keep your little one safe by using wind-up cord shorteners for phone cords and securing blind cords high, away from curious hands.
**Doors:** Consider investing in sturdy doorway gates, readily available at baby and department stores; they're essential for creating safe spaces for your child to explore.
**Drawers, cupboards, closets, and cabinets:** Put latches on all accessible storage to keep potential hazards safely tucked away.
**Freestanding furniture:** Make sure any freestanding furniture is either securely bolted to the wall or the floor, or remove it until your little one is old enough to navigate their surroundings wisely.
**Furniture corners and edges:** You can find foam-padded covers for sharp furniture edges at baby stores, but sometimes a thick blanket can work wonders to protect your little explorer.
**Knick-knacks:** Consider packing away your cherished items temporarily or displaying them on shelves that are well out of reach from inquisitive toddlers. This includes small items that could pose choking hazards, like coins, paper clips, matches, keys, and batteries.
**Kitchen:** Opt for knob covers for the stove and barriers to keep little hands safe from hot surfaces. Oven latches are an absolute must to prevent children from opening hot oven doors. Don’t forget to install a refrigerator latch, and try to dispose of plastic grocery bags and wraps right away to avoid choking risks. Choose a kitchen trashcan that fits snugly under the sink or has a secure lid. Always use restraining straps when placing your child in a high chair, and keep a list of important phone numbers attached to the refrigerator—like poison control, fire department, police, doctor's office, and dentist.
**Bathroom:** Make it a priority to use a plastic toilet lock. Ensure all medicines—both over-the-counter and prescription—are safely stored high in a latched cabinet. Keep all cleaning supplies tucked away in a locked closet or cabinet. It might be a good idea to invest in a baby water thermometer to ensure bathwater is just right, and never leave a baby or toddler unattended in the tub. To prevent slips, use nonskid mats or appliques, and install tub faucet covers to keep little ones from accidentally turning the water on.
All The Best Always,
Kendra