Do you want to make condo living safe for your kids? While it’s great that you think about the matter, it’s not helpful if you let your worries get the better of you.
Empower yourself and keep your little ones safe with these 10 easy tips for a childproof home.
Check Your Baby’s Beddings
The bedroom should be safe and relaxing for your child. However, if you’re lax about bedroom safety, the space can be a land mine.
Bed safety is one of the most overlooked issues. Avoid using bedding for adults because these can suffocate babies and toddlers.
Having your small child sleep with a thick comforter and fluffy pillows can be a lethal mistake. Instead, have them sleep in the barest bed possible.
On cold nights, dress your baby in a sleeper instead of using thick blankets.
Don’t Forget about the Windows
When choosing which condo level to buy or rent, it’s important to think of window safety.
Whether you live on a higher or lower floor, it’s a must for condo dwellers to ensure that the windows have locks and do not have looped cords.
Screens are not enough to prevent falls, so put stops on all windows. Repair or replace blinds, shades, and draperies if they have looped cords because these can lead to accidental choking or strangulation.
Fire Prevention in the Kitchen
Fires can erupt in the kitchen. It’s important that accident prevention at home makes use of fire alarms. If your home already has one, make sure that it is properly functioning.
Many condos have fire alarms, but check if the batteries are working. Also, make sure it can also detect smoke and other toxic gases. Some of these gases can be silent killers because they can’t be easily seen or smelled.
Steer Clear of Latex Balloons
Did you know that latex balloons are one of the most dangerous objects to give to your kids?
This seemingly harmless object can easily choke a toddler when they accidentally put it in their mouth. Avoid latex balloons for child safety.
A safer alternative is Mylar balloons because they are hard to pop and stay afloat longer.
Adjust Water Temperature to Avoid Burns
Protect your kids from burns by adjusting the temperature of the water heater. The injury can be serious because hot liquids can scald a large portion of a kid’s body.
Adjust the water temperature to around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooking, make sure that your kids are at a safe distance from boiling soups and fried dishes.
Screen off Danger Zones
Never assume that your child is safe just because you told him or her to stay out of dangerous areas. Use safety gates for the stairs and areas that should be off-limits to your kids.
Safety gates are great, for example, when the bathroom floor is slippery or wet or to prevent your child access to harmful ingredients in the kitchen.
Kitchen Safety Essentials
Food preparation is essential in childproofing your home. If you’re using plastic containers, make sure they’re free of the harmful chemical Biphenyl A or BPA.
To avoid food-borne illnesses such as E.coli and salmonella, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the food you feed your kids are properly cooked.
Digital thermometers that give instant readings are inexpensive and easy to find.
Watch Out for Small Toy Parts
When it comes to your kid’s toys, watch out for features like beads and other detachable small parts. Rely instead on age-appropriate plush toys.
These appeal to young kids because they’re cute and cuddly. The fact that they are safe is a relief for parents. Just make sure the size of the plush toy is right for your child.
Secure Furniture and Appliances
You don’t need plenty of condo appliances to live comfortably. But it’s necessary to properly secure your topple-prone appliances and furniture.
There are straps that are easy to install yet can effectively restrain heavy objects. TVs, bookcases and cabinets are some of the items you need to secure.
Have a Quick Emergency Plan
Teaching and training your kids about home safety is one of the best things you can do. Emergency situations cannot be completely avoided.
So it’s important that you and your kids have a quick emergency response strategy. For example, prepare a first-aid kit and devise a family plan. Empowering your kids about their own safety is always a smart form of defense.
Never wait for an accident to occur before you make your home childproof. Following this guideline can help you create a safe home environment for your kids. Remember that although accidents are unavoidable, good parenting requires that you install preventive measures to protect your kids from harm.
Author Bio:
Jeanette Anzon is the writer and editor for AdventureDweller.com. She mostly write about home improvements, home guides and designs, and real estate investments.
