Home Childproofing Tips Parents Should Never Miss

​As awkward as it may seem, the home can be much of a child hazard as the outside world. With toxic chemicals, sharp corners, bulky furniture, and pointed objects around, every room could pose a potential threat to your toddler. Parents are encouraged to childproof their homes as early as possible to keep these dangers at bay. Here are some tips and reminders parents should not miss while childproofing their home.

Tip #1: Kitchen Lockdown
Secure your kitchen by locking stove and oven knobs when not in use, avoiding fire and gas fumes leaking. Keep spices and other choking hazards like flour behind cabinets out of the child’s reach. Drawers for sharp objects, as well as storage cabinets, should be secured with locks so kids can’t open them freely.

Tip #2: Kids and Bathtubs Don’t Mix 
First and foremost, never leave your toddler unattended in the bathtub, even for a single second. Young children are susceptible to drowning in few inches of water, not to mention toxic substances like soaps and shampoos around. Place rubber slipcovers beside wet areas to avoid slipping, and install safety latches on drawers and cabinets. 

Tip #3: Bolt and Fasten Tall Furniture
Young kids love to test their environment, and parents should be ready for when those days happen. Secure heavy furniture like big bookshelves and dressers to the wall with wall fasteners and heavy screws. It will prevent the furniture from falling over in the event the child climbs on them. 

Tip #4: Install Corner and Edge Bumpers
Sharp edges or corners in a home can cause serious harm to a running toddler. To avoid this, install some bumpers on the corners and sides of the house, especially in common areas. The bumpers should provide a cushion if ever the child hits that edge, softening any possible damage. 

Tip #5: Covers, Gates, and Stoppers
Stairs can pose some serious harm to a child, so placing a safety gate on the stairs add security. The safety gate will make sure your toddler won’t go up or down without you knowing it. Cover power outlets that are not in use to avoid accidental poking and electrocution. It is also true for open fireplaces and grills, to avoid any temptation to the child. For doors, use door stops and door holders to stop the door from closing all the way and crushing those tiny fingers.

Childproofing is not an easy task, but a crucial one, especially if you have more than one child. However, proper childproofing can save a lot of unnecessary bills and medications and could protect your kid from harm. 

At Oncken Insurance Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (281) 256-8310 or Click Here to request a free quote.