As every parent quickly learns, toddlers are notoriously curious. They reach, they climb and they fearlessly taste whatever they stumble upon. Parents and grandparents need to take extra steps to keep little thrill-seekers from harm. Health and safety professionals provide some tips for toddler-proofing your home.
- Cook on the Back Burners – Keep simmering pots and pans on the back burner of your stove with handles facing away so toddlers can’t reach them.
- Lock Away Cleansers and Bags – Store all house cleaning products and plastic grocery bags in a locked or latched cabinet your toddler cannot open.
- Safely Stow Medications – Don’t leave medications on the counter. Instead, keep them in cupboards high enough that a toddler cannot reach them.
- Plug Unused Electrical Outlets – Use plastic outlet covers in unused outlets to keep curious fingers out of them and be sure not to leave dangling cords anywhere.
- Use Bumper Guards – Bumper guards placed on the corners of sharply squared coffee tables or other furniture will protect against accidental falls.
- Snuff the Candles – Never leave candles burning unattended where a child can climb up and reach them and keep matches locked away.
- Anchor Tall Furniture – Dressers and other tall furniture are magnets for young climbers. They should be safely anchored to the wall.
- Take Care With Tablecloths – Toddlers and creeping babies tend to pull on tablecloths, so take care with what is placed on top of them. Better yet, use placemats for the duration.
- Guard Against Swallowing Small Items – Keep toys and other items small enough to swallow out of reach, including dolls or stuffed animals with small, removable parts.
- Use Safety Gates – Place them at the top and bottom of the staircase, and even at the entrance to the kitchen to keep your toddler out of it when not in use.
