CHILD-PROOFING YOUR HOME

When it comes to decorating your home, there's a lot more to consider than simply coordinating your window treatments with your carpet.  

This is especially true if you have children in the home, which presents a whole new concern for keeping them safe and sound.

Take A Look Around

When you take a quick glance throughout your home, what do you see?  Is the home decorated for an adult or a child?  If your little one is like most, he/she has a lot of energy and isn't afraid to use it.  To prevent a hard spill, many families replace hardwood or tile flooring with plush carpet or rugs for a little extra padding.  If your child stumbles and falls, the extra cushioning will come in handy.

Do you have any furniture with glass inserts or sharp corners, or do you see a lot of breakables throughout the home?  If so, it's time to remove them.  You should get rid of any furniture that could be hazardous to your youngster and this includes glass top tables and anything with protruding edges.

Lots Of Locks

When you have children in the home, it's important that you keep all cleaning products locked away in a cabinet and/or out of reach of your little ones.  If possible, consider adding an alarm that will alert you if the cabinet is opened.

Most families have a medicine cabinet, which contains either over-the-counter or prescription medication.  This area is a serious concern for children and should be locked and out of their reach.  It's also important that all medications feature a childproof lid for added protection.

If there is an area of your home or a specific room that your child is not permitted in, place a child gate in the doorway to prevent them from sneaking in while you're not looking.  Children are fast, but this is one way to make sure that they are also safe.

Do Not Touch

Children are curious by nature, but there are some common household items that they simply must refrain from touching.  These include a fan, paper shredder, space heater, scissors and other sharp objects that could pose a serious risk for your little one.  Make sure that these items, along with anything similar, are kept out of reach.  All electrical appliances, including hairdryers, styling products and appliances must be stored away from water and out of your child's reach to prevent injury.

Speaking of which, all electrical outlets should be covered with outlet covers and any small items, including marbles and coins, must be picked up and kept out of your child's reach.  Because children love to see what they can fit into their mouths, it's important that they not be left alone near these items.

Safety At Play

When your child is outside, make sure that the environment is a safe one.  This means that your yard should be completely fenced with a locked gate to prevent him/her from wandering out into the street.  It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your child, but it's even better to make sure that he/she is safe if you happen to glance away for a second.