Child safety devices can prove valuable in making your home safe for your baby. But they are only effective when they are being used.
When shopping for any child safety device, you should make sure it is sturdy enough to the job for which it is designed, and simple enough that you will always use it. If you have older children as well, make sure that they are trained to use any safety devices and will be as diligent as you are when using them.
It is easy to find most child-safety devices. They are now available in hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores and online.
Make sure to follow all installation instructions are carefully. These devices can help prevent injury, but they are not child-proof. Any determined kid can probably find out how to disable them.
Corner and edge bumpers cover sharp edges of furniture and can protect your baby from injury in case of falls. Some bumpers can be fitted to fire places to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.
When choosing a corner or edge bumper, look for one that will stay in place securely. A bumper will offer no protection if it falls off regularly.
Price: $1.00 and up
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Safety gates should be used anywhere you want to prevent your baby from going. They should be installed at the top and bottom of all staircases, and the entrance to the garage. If you have balcony banisters that are more than four inches apart consider installing a banister barrier.
When choosing a safety gate, avoid 'accordion style' gates that expand with diamond patter openings. When used across a large opening, the gaps may be large enough for your baby to get stuck in. Look for new safety gates that have a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association (JPMA), and choose ones that screw to the wall because they are more secure than 'pressure gates'.
Price: $12.00 - $15.00
Use safety latches and locks to secure cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and garages. Lock away harmful cleaning products and medications as well as dangerous objects such as knives. Even products wrapped in child resistant packaging should be locked away out of reach when not in use.
When choosing a lock, look for one that is easy to install and use, but sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from small children. While locks are no guarantee of protection, they do reduce the risk of children accessing dangerous items, and may slow them down long enough for you to discover them.
Price: Less than $2.00
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Door knob covers and door locks should be used to restrict entry to any room that contains a possible hazard for your baby. They typically can be used to seal of the garage and access to the pool area.
When choosing a door knob cover and door locks, look for one that is sturdy when simple to use: if there is an emergency you life could depend on it. If you are installing new locks on your doors, place them high so that they are out of reach of young children. Consider using them in addition to door alarms for added safety.
Price: $1.00 - $5.00 and up
Door stops and door holders and designed to prevent injuries to your baby's fingers and hands by pinching or crushing in the door jamb. Existing metal coil door stops often have a little end cap that can easily be removed by babies and children and may be a choking hazard. Avoid simply removing the cap since the end of the metal coil is sharp and may cause injury. Replace metal coil door stops with one-piece plastic units.
When choosing a door stop or door holder, look for one that is easy to use and will not break into small pieces. Broken pieces may be a choking hazard for young children.
Price: less than $4.00
Window blind cords, safety tassels and inner cord straps can help reduce the risk of strangling in blind cord loops. Blind cord safety tassels should be used on miniblinds. Tension devices should be installed on vertical blinds and drapery. Inner cord stops are designed to reduce the risk of strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.
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If you are installing safety tassels on older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle and put the tassels in each cord. Install tension devices on older vertical blinds and drapery cords to hold the cords tight and reduce the risk of strangulation.
If you are buying new miniblinds, vertical blinds or draperies, ask about any safety features designed to prevent child strangulation. More information is available at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636.
Nearly 4,700 children are injured by falls each year in the United States. Window guards and safety netting can help prevent your baby falling from windows, balconies, decks and landings. Don't rely on insect screens to protect your baby.
When choosing a window guard, make sure that there is no more than four inches between each bar. Check frequently to make sure that they are properly maintained and secure. Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing up to the window. Never let children sit on window sills. Be sure that at least one window in each room can be used as a fire escape if necessary.
Price: $8.00 - $16.00
Outlet covers and plates cover electrical outlets to reduce the risk of injury by electrocution. When choosing an outlet cover or plate, look for one that cannot be easily removed by children and that it is large enough that your baby will not choke on it if it does remove it.
Price: less than $2.00
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Smoke detectors should be installed on every level in your home. They can prove essential in protecting you and your family against fire death, suffocation and injuries. Place them near bedrooms so that you are alerted to a possible fire at night while you are sleeping.
When choosing a smoke detector, consider whether you want to have a battery operated unit or one that is wired into the home. While battery operated units are easier to install, you must remember to change the batteries at least once a year. All smoke detectors should be tested monthly to make sure they are working correctly.
Price: Less than $10.00
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe poisoning. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in homes that have gas or oil heating systems with attached garages. Install the carbon monoxide detector outside bedrooms.
Price: $30.00 - $70.00
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Anti-scald devices are attached to faucets and showerheads and can help prevent burns. You may need to have a plumber install them. Also set your water heater temperature to a maximum of 120º Fahrenheit for added protection.
Price: $6.00 - $30.00 plus installation
Electrical cords pose two hazards to babies and young children. They are often attached to heavy equipment or lamps, which may topple when tugged. If there is a small break in the insulation, or your baby chews through the cord, saliva is an excellent conductor of electricity and extensive burns can result.
Secure all electrical cords to furniture so that they cannot be easily pulled or tugged. Use cord shorteners in areas where your baby can easily reach, such as a baby monitor near a changing table. Watch your baby careful while it is teething: electrical cords are a tempting treat. Check electrical cords regularly to make sure that they are free of breaks, kinks and holes.
While it may not typically be considered a child safety device, a cordless phone makes it easy for you to continuously monitor your baby without being rawn away. It is especially convenient during bathtime or when supervising your children in a swimming pool.
Price: $30.00 and up
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