10 Items You Need to Childproof Your Home

Baby, Childproof, Baby Safety

10 Items You Need to Childproof Your Home

We all know just how fast time flies by – especially when it comes to the little ones. Once your stationary baby starts crawling and pulling up, tables and other surfaces are no longer out of reach.

According to KidsHealth.org, accidental injury is the leading cause of death in children under 14, and more than a third of them occur at home. Suffocation, choking, poisoning, falls, drowning, guns – the list of injuries goes on.

The good news? Risk of injury can be reduced or prevented by properly installing child safety devices. Below are 10 child safety devices that can help protect your little ones at home:

  1. Outlet covers and outlet plates – Curious tots tend to put their fingers and toes where they shouldn’t. Installing tamper-resistant receptacles on every outlet in your home will help protect your child from electrical shock and electrocution. Make sure the devices are large enough so they don’t create a choking hazard.
  2. Safety latches and locks – Household cleaners, medicines and sharp objects are more accessible to kids than you might think. Securing cabinets and drawers with latches and locks will help keep curious hands and mouths away from danger. Install them in your bathrooms, kitchen and garage.
  3. Furniture anchors – A 30-pound toddler is no match for a 200-pound dresser. All heavy furniture should be anchored to the floor or attached to a wall.
  4. Safety gates – Use safety gates to block off certain areas that could pose a risk to your toddler, like a steep flight of stairs. Ensure your safety gate meets current safety standards, and replace outdated gates that pose danger.
  5. Door knob covers and door locks – the proper door lock or door knob cover will help prevent toddlers from getting into hazardous spaces.
  6. Anti-scald devices – According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 300 children under the age of 19 are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries every year. Installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads – in addition to setting your water heater to 120 Fahrenheit – will help reduce the likelihood of burns.
  7. Smoke alarms – The National Fire Protection Association recommends homeowners have a smoke alarm on every level of the structure, inside every bedroom, and outside all sleeping areas. Make sure you’re testing your alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working and change your batteries at least once a year.
  8. Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms – You should have one Carbon Monoxide alarm outside all of the sleeping areas in your home.
  9. Corner and edge bumpers – Toddlers are still figuring out what balance and gravity is, so exposed table corners and razor-sharp fireplace edges are a very serious safety hazard. Locate bumpers that secure well to your furniture and follow the directions to affix them properly.
  10. Pool and spa covers - If you own a pool or a spa, a full enclosure complete with a 4-foot-tall fence equipped with a self-closing, self-latching gate is non-negotiable. Door and pool alarms can also serve as an additional layer of protection. Keep in mind that sliding glass doors with locks that must be re-secured after each use are not a safety measure.

It’s hard enough to keep up with your toddler when they start to crawl and explore. Installing child safety devices will help ensure their safety if they happen to get out of your sight.

For an added layer of protection, ask your local Rockford Mutual Insurance Agent about our Homeowners coverage today!

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Amy Casey
Social Media & Communications Specialist
Amy joined Rockford Mutual in January of 2017 with an Associates Degree in Marketing. Amy has a great understanding of insurance in general as she has obtained her Associate in General Insurance designation.