Childproofing one's home should prioritize children's safety. As kids grow up, they become interested in the environment around them, which may lead to potential risks within their premises. Luckily for you, as a parent, there are simple do-it-yourself tips that can help create a safe environment for kids.
Tips To Childproof Your Home
Here are some practical childproofing tips from a handyman in Etobicoke to protect your kids from hurting themselves inside your home:
1. Securing Of Furniture And Appliances
Fastening Furniture—Secure heavy furniture, such as bookshelves, dressers, etc., to walls using furniture straps or brackets; this prevents toppling if a child tries climbing it.
Fixing TVs -Hang flat-screen televisions on walls or use anti-tip straps to stabilize them. Place old-style heavy televisions on low, stable furniture and lock them up against falling off.
2. Putting Up Safety Gates
Top and Bottom of Stairs - Fix hardware-mounted gates at both the topmost and bottom part of stairs to prevent falls.
Room Dividers—Use pressure-mounted gates to block non-childproofed rooms, such as the kitchen or home office area, which have potential hazards.
3. Childproofing Cabinets And Drawers
Cabinet Locks—Install child-proof locks on all reachable cabinets and drawers; different types exist, such as magnetic locks, sliding locks, and adhesive locks.
Out-of-Reach Storage—Store hazardous substances like chemicals or medicines high up where children cannot easily reach them, i.e., in tall cupboards beyond their reach.
4. Safety Measures For Power Installations
Outlet Covers - Use safety plugs or outlet covers designed to prevent children from inserting objects into electrical sockets. Consider installing tamper-resistant receptacles for added protection.
Cord Management -Keep electrical cords out of reach and use cord shorteners or covers to prevent kids from pulling on them / chewing them up.
5. Window Safety
Window Guards - Fit window guards or stops that limit how far a window can open, i.e., only a few inches should be allowed. Ensure such devices are easily removable by adults during emergencies.
Cordless Blinds -Replace blinds with long cords using cordless versions or safety cleats, which help tie up cords beyond children's reach.
5. Bathroom Safety
Toilet Locks -Install toilet locks to prevent children from playing with water inside or accidentally falling into the toilet.
Non-slip Mats -Put non-slip mats in bathtubs and on bathroom floors, thus reducing the chances of slipping when taking showers, etc.
Water Temperature -Set your water heater not to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding incidents while bathing babies or children.
General Safety Measures
You can also attach corner/edge guards to furniture with sharp edges, such as tables, chairs, etc., which might cause injuries if bumped by children running around the house. Use doorstops so that doors don't slam shut, hurting little fingers. Door handle covers can also help keep kids away from opening doors leading into unsafe zones of the house, like storerooms and other spaces.
One of the most important things for a parent to do is childproof their home. As your child grows older and gains new capabilities, keep an eye out for new hazards; what was safe for them at one point may not be anymore! But don't worry—following these tips from a residential or commercial handyman Toronto will help keep you sane while protecting the children from danger in their homes.