Child-Proofing Your Home and Why it Matters

The following is a guest post…

Fortunate people from all walks of life go through the magical experience of having children. There are ups and downs throughout the journey of creation that transforms an embryo all the way to an adult who contributes to society. Much of a child’s life is spent under the shelter of parents, a single parent or an unrelated guardian.

During early childhood specifically, the physical property that a child lives within can present many hazards that would normally go unnoticed. It’s very important for guardians to safe proof his or her house with child safety in mind. Below I offer the main focuses around a house to consider if you are raising children.

Appliances and electronics

It’s very important that loose cords are not just lying around, particularly in walkways. These can pose a legitimate electrocution hazard and it’s never worth it to be relaxed when it comes to wires. Similarly, be sure to take note of any appliances or other devices such as hair dryers, curling irons, toasters and anything else operating from a power outlet. Not only can these appliances severely injure a child simply by being used incorrectly, when combined with water they can be fatal.

If nothing else: Make sure to keep all electronics and appliances orderly and out of harm’s way. Electricity can be very dangerous when children are concerned because they lack the ability to think critically until they reach a certain age. Knowledge is power when it comes to using these devices, and many children are not equipped to handle the responsibility.

Outlets

A simple hazard around nearly every house that has to make the list is the common power outlet. Small children are often closer to floor than anywhere else, and with outlets lining the lower part of most walls, danger is inherent. Not to mention, children love to shove various objects into openings like outlets.

If nothing else: The tough thing about safe proofing outlets is that there tons of them around a standard property. The good thing is that it’s easy to do. Consider getting some simple plastic covers. A straight forward way to potentially save a child’s life is worth the couple of dollars. 

Faucets

It’s very, very important to safeguard house faucets. For one, they can fill a bath tub and cause drowning. Make sure to supervise children when they are operating taps. More common and more of a realistic worry is the risk of burn. Hot water can do serious damage, and anytime a child is operating a faucet the risk is there. Be sure to consider all of the faucets in your house, and be sure to educate your children on water safety when they reach the appropriate age.

If nothing else: Consider buying temperature control devices for all house faucets. These anti-scald devices can regulate the temperature and minimize a child’s risk of serious burns.

Medicine

Whether the medicine is over the counter or prescription, and regardless of child age, any medication that is not meant for them should be invisible. You as a guardian naturally have the obligation to eliminate this risk from your child’s life. Involvement with medication goes from accidental to curious as children age, and it’s important to limit contact and visibility early on.

If nothing else: Make sure to keep medication out of sight. Even if your child requires medication, you should be the one administering it. The risk is simply too high to not be extremely careful when child safety is concerned.

Furniture

A surprising risk to child safety is furniture. Not only does furniture pose a legitimate threat, but the hazard is widespread throughout a house. If edges are sharp, it may be wise on your end to pad them in some way. If there is an oversized book-case or television, make sure that they are positioned in a way where they are nearly immovable by a child’s efforts.

If nothing else: Furniture is necessary, but it presents a safety issue that cannot be ignored. Any access to dangerous furniture should be blocked, and when it isn’t the appropriate measures need to be taken to ensure child protection.

Raising children in a house is a wonderful experience, but the privilege comes with responsibility. It will make your life much simpler and relaxed if you take a couple extra minutes to safe proof your house. The chances of anything happening to your child will be greatly minimized, and you will have increased peace of mind.

About the author: Naomi Broderick is a professional writer who’s secure in her abilities and even more confident in her parenting. When she’s not juggling her three children in the front yard she writes for ProtectYourHome.com, a leader in home security.