How to Childproof Your Home

From your Pediatrics Guide

Accidents, most of which can be easily prevented, are the leading cause of death for children. You should childproof your home before your infant is becoming mobile (around six months of age).

Here's How:

1. Use covers on electrical outlets and latches on cabinets.


2. Set the temperature of your hot water heater between 120 and 130 degrees F to prevent scalding burns.


3. Prevent poisonings by keeping household cleaners, chemicals and medicines out of reach, storing them in original containers with a child resistant cap. Know your local Poison Control Center number.


4. Use stair gates and window guards.


5. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in the house and use flame retardant sleepware.


6. Remove furniture with sharp edges or use soft guards.


7. Consider using a wall anchor for the stove and large pieces of furniture that can tip over.


8. Use nonskid backing on rugs and make sure carpets are securely tacked down.


9. Remove breakables from low tables and shelves.


10. Remove small toys and other choking hazards from around your child.


11. Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up out of reach.


12. Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, heaters or other hot appliances (especially curling irons). When cooking, use the back burners and turn pot handles inward.


13. To prevent drowning, empty all water from bathtubs and pails, keep the door to the bathroom closed and never leave your child alone near any container of water.


14. If you must have a gun in the house keep it and the bullets in a separate locked place.


15. Be cautious of certain dog breeds (Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepards) that account for over fifty percent of fatal dog bites and closely supervise children when in the presence of animals.

Tips:

1. Child proof the swimming pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate and never leave your child alone in a swimming area, even if he is a good swimmer.


2. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.


3. Lock rooms that are not child proof.