Modern houses are more than simply shelter. These complicated 'living machines' are filled with things that we consider essential for modern life but can prove hazardous to babies and toddlers who are curious about their environment.
Although we simply cannot manage without heating and air conditioning, electronic entertainment, knives and forks or sofas and tables, when babyproofing a house we have to imagine how all of these modern conveniences are perceived by a baby.
It is easy while you are still pregnant, to think that there is plenty of time for childproofing after your baby is born. And while you may be pleasant surprised at how quickly your baby starts to move and explore the world around it, you can find yourself caught off-guard and unprepared.
About 2 - 2.5 million children are injured or killed in the home each year. Many of these accidents could have been prevented by using simple child safety devices and home safety techniques that are widely available.
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When thinking about childproofing your home, consider it from your baby's point of view. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl through the house, imagining that you are seeing everything for the first time. Babies and children are naturally curious and will want to touch, taste and feel everything as they learn about their environment.
When considering baby proofing your home you should be aware of the types of injuries that occur. Most fatalities that occur between birth and age four are the result of suffocation and choking. Think about choking hazards and items that may cause your baby to suffocate. If you are not sure whether something is a choking hazard, see if it fits inside a toilet roll. If it does, you should try and get it out of your babies reach.
Other things to be aware of are poisons, fire hazards and drowning hazards. Babies can drown in very shallow water and great care should be taken to prevent access to toilets and bathrooms. If your house was built before 1978 the paint should be tested for lead.
While you may be overwhelmed at the thought of childproofing your home, bear in mind that even the smallest attempts at prevention will help greatly reduce the risk of injury. Now is the time to get started, and if it all seems too much, consider hiring a professional to point out the hazards in your home. A professional can often achieve in a couple of hours what might take you days to complete.
Most people consider childproofing to be the installation of safety gatesSafety 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'. and drawer latchesUse 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., and while these are important, there is a lot more to consider. If you have indoor plants, try to find out whether they are poisonous and how to treat your baby if it chews one of the leaves. Be aware of the potting materials and whether you are using marbles or rocks as ground cover. These could be a choking hazard and be removed.
Vases and decorative glassware are attractive to babies, but can be dangerous if they topple and fall onto your baby. Look at where you keep your purse. Most purses contain many small items that are toxic or dangerous if ingested. Keep keys well out of the reach of babies and young children and never let your baby teeth on a key ring.
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Although most of the major childproofing items only need to be completed once you need to be constantly vigilant. Make sure that floors, tables and cabinets are clear of small objects that can easily be swallowed. These include coins, small batteries, rings and other objects commonly around the house. Avoid using lighters and matches in front of children since they will want to play with them too. Don't smoke or drink hot beverages while holding a child and never leave burning cigarettes unattended.
Put together a comprehensive first aid kit and take courses in infant first aid and CPR. If something does happen, you want to be prepared to handle it.
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