Child-Proofing Tips and Resources

Having a child can make your once cozy, comfy home seem like a danger zone with hazards at every turn. Often times new parents are also first time homeowners, and on top of everything else associated with owning a new home, the challenge of how to make this home safe for a child or new baby can be overwhelming. Here are some tips we compiled on child-proofing your home.

Kitchen

1. Utilize cabinet locks and latches to stop children from accessing particular areas. Inside locked cabinets you can store sharp objects like knives or pizza cutters as well as cleaning supplies and chemicals like bleach or dishwasher detergent. Also, store potentially dangerous kitchen utensils in higher drawers.
2. Keep small appliances and cords away from the sink and out of reach of children.
3. Safety gates can also be used to block off access to the kitchen. 

Bathroom

1. Toilet locks can be used to prevent drowning and other toilet hazards.
2. Store items like medications, cleaning products, cosmetics out of reach and/or locked away. 
3. You can change your water heater to a cooler temperature to avoid burns in the sink, shower or bathtub. 
4. Utilize non-slip mats to prevent falls in the bathroom.

Living Room

1. Bolt heavy furniture like couches or bookshelves to the floors and walls.
2. Outlet covers are a great preventative measure against electrical shocks. 
3. Small objects may be choking hazards, so limit them or place them out of reach.
4. Cord organizers can help prevent shocking hazards. 

Bedroom

1. Use safety gates for all rooms children should not be unattended in.
2. Baby-proof door handles can also prevent access to potentially hazardous spaces.
3. Ensure carpeting is secure in all rooms. 
4. Ensure that the crib meets safety requirements and all parts are screwed into place securely. 

Stairs and Hallways

1. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. 

Outdoors

1. Fence off swimming pools or hot tubs.
2. Secure outdoor furniture as best as possible. 
3. Use non-toxic landscaping materials and keep chemicals locked away in a shed or garage.

General Safety

1. Keep small objects out of reach.
2. Cover sharp corners or objects.
3. Keep sharp objects like scissors and razors locked away and out of reach.
4. Plastic bags, including grocery bags and trash bags, out of reach to prevent suffocation. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly in all areas of the house and change batteries regularly. 

Supervision and Education

1. Keep a close eye on your children, especially in unfamiliar environments. Educate your children about the potential dangers and how to stay safe. Updating your home as your child grows to ensure their safety is also an important measure. 

This is by no means a comprehensive list or exactly what works for your family, take your time to find what is right for your family. There are numerous websites available to help guide your in the process of making your home safe. Below we have given a few local resources in and around Arlington to get you started. 

Safe Solutions of New England Home safety evaluation and installation of child safety products.

Arlington Family Connection Child Safety Resources.