October 10, 2007 – 2:45 pm
The world is a fascinating place full of wonders for your little toddler. However, it can be a dangerous one too. As you are parenting in your own loving way, I am sure that you realize that. What you may not have thought about as much is how dangerous your own home can be for them.
Childproofing your home becomes increasingly important as your baby begins to crawl, walk, and exploring more and more each day. Your little one is becoming a toddler! This is a very challenging time in parenting, but it is of course, one of the most rewarding.
Save yourself some undue parenting worries and risks by effectively childproofing your home. What exactly should you do? The most common suggestion is for you to get down at your Childs level. Sit down with them in each room, then crawl from room to room as they would. This allows you to see the environment from their point of view, and you may spot some things you would not have thought of.
Firstly, look for any kind of cords, string, or anything that dangles and can get accidentally wrapped around the neck. Some of the most common objects and areas to pay special attention to in this aspect of parenting are:
- Blinds – If you have the blinds with cords you pull to lift them, make sure they are put up and out of reach. Drape them across the top, or place a small hook on the wall and wrap it around the hook.
- Mobiles – Ensure any mobile you are using for your crib is not within reach of your little one.
- Electronics – Keep all the cords from your electronics safely tucked away out of reach. Preferably out of sight as well, so that they are not tempting your little one to try and get to them.
There are many parenting moments that your heart stops. Surely if your toddler is running, trips, and falls near the sharp corner of your living room table, it would be one of these times. Use rubber pieces corner guards to cover scary edges like these.
Of course, anytime there are pots or pans on the stove ensure you turn the handles toward the wall.
Keep all cleaners, medicines, and talcs in a high area with a lock. This includes your general house cleaner (that is often found under kitchen sinks), and medicines in the bathroom.
Make your parenting a touch simpler in the bathroom. Simply turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. And of course, with all of the parenting knowledge that has been given to you, you know to check the water before putting them into the bathtub!
These are only a scratch on the surface of childproofing your home. You will find parenting in a childproofed home will allow you to breathe a bit easier. Also, you will be able to spend more time playing and learning with your little one. Time spent on trying to deter them from dangerous situations is decreased.
Try searching your local stores, as many sell childproofing kits that can reduce the worries of parenting a toddler. They will often include items for keeping your little one out of the toilet, out of the fridge, out of the oven, and the rubber corner guards. There are different sets, so find the one that suits you, your family, your parenting style, and your home.
Tags: Childproofing
