What to Consider When Child Proofing a House

For any responsible parent, ensuring their child is kept safe and away from any harm and danger must be a top priority. This means that before your child starts to crawl, walk and become a lot more mobile, you need to make sure the house is child proof. Whilst this may seem like an arduous task, it is absolutely essential given the shocking statistics involving injured children at home.

In the UK, more than a million children under the age of 15 years old will experience an accident in and around the home at some point. Those aged between 0 and 4 years are the ones at most risk from injury. Whilst these may be non-fatal accidents, the risk of more serious incidents occurring is still ever-present, and the worrying thing is that these are preventable through awareness and child proofing the home. So here's what you should consider.

The best way to childproof your home is to look from the eyes of your child. Get down on your hands and knees, crawl around the home looking for potential hazards. This way you will be able to see hazards that you wouldn't necessarily see at your own height.

Electrical Outlets and Cords

Having electrical outlets and cords which are unprotected can cause an unprecedented amount of injuries and deaths each year, especially to those aged between 1 and 4 years old. With cords, not only is there the risk of electrocution, but also they are often attached to heavy equipment such as lamps or electrical appliances.

You should install outlet covers and use safety devices on the power strips. Make sure you install a cover which is tamper resistant as children can be surprisingly strong. In terms of electrical cords, buy bundlers or at least secure them to the wall or furniture so they cannot be pulled. Also check all or you cords so there are no breaks or holes.

Ovens and Appliances

Whether it's your oven, dishwasher, washing machine, or any other large appliance, they pose a huge risk to your child. They can be opened and crawled into, leaving them vulnerable to touching hot burners and sharp objects such as knives. They can also suffocate themselves if they manage to crawl in and shut the door behind them.

The best way to solve this problem is to install latches that lock onto the doors or all appliances. For the oven, also install hob covers and when cooking always ensure the handles of the pots and pans are turned inwards, preventing the risk of scalding food and water spilling onto the floor.

Drawers and Cabinets

It's the items that are contained within drawers and cabinets which pose a major risk to young children. This can be anything from chemicals to medication. This is incredibly hazardous to your children as they can choke or poison themselves, so it's important to prevent them from getting in. The best way to do this is to install latches inside every single door of the drawers and cabinets around your home.

Expensive Glassware and Ornaments

Whether it's vases and or decorative bowls and glassware, if it's expensive and has some sentimental value, then you want it out of reach from your child. First and foremost it poses a risk if it were to fall on top of them, causing cuts and lacerations, especially if it's made of glass. Also if you have smaller more decorative pieces, then these pose a risk of being put in baby's mouths and swallowed, causing them to choke. Secondly, such ornaments may have been expensive or an heirloom, so it's in your best interest to keep them safe out of harms reach.

Much More to Consider

You also need to think about the staircase, fireplaces as well as doors and windows. Ensure there are fences, gates and protectors in front of these to prevent your child from harming themselves. As mentioned, it's best to get the perspective of a child, so you can thoroughly safeguard your home and prevent your child from getting injured or hurt.