Childproofing Your Home

It’s easy to miss potential child-safety hazards around the house. In fact, accidents are the number one killer of children—more than all childhood diseases combined—according to the National Safety Council. The good news is that home accidents are entirely preventable. One of the best ways to spot trouble is to literally crawl around the house, exploring it as a toddler might. This checklist will help you recognize and correct safety risks.

1. Cover open electrical outlets with plastic safety caps.

2. Tie electrical cords together and tape them down to prevent tripping.

3. Keep shade and blind cords out of reach or invest in the type that break apart if a child’s head or limbs become entangled.

4. Install childproof latches on cabinet doors (for brief visits, use rubber bands or twine to keep handles closed).

5. Lock away all household cleaners and other toxic substances.

6. Put safety gates or other sturdy blockades at the top and bottom of staircases.

7. Double-check windows and screens to make sure they’re locked.

8. Protect little heads from sharp-edged furniture. Cover any child-high tables with padding (try a mattress pad secured with duct tape) or purchase specially designed corner protectors. The type that attach with double-sided tape are, unfortunately, easy (and fun) for many toddlers to remove. Devices that fit around table edges like garters will be easier for you and safer for the child.

9. Be on the lookout for top-heavy items like bookcases, etageres, or other furniture that could be toppled or shaken, causing heavy objects to fall.

10. Decks and balconies should be kept off limits to unsupervised children. Tiny bodies can squirm through small spaces in railings.

11. Check bathrooms for tempting but toxic items like strawberry shampoos or vanilla-scented candles.

12. Remove candy dishes with nuts, small candies, and other choking hazards. Put away small items that children might swallow (buttons, small collectibles, pet toys, etc.).

13. Store plastic dry-cleaning bags out of reach.

14. If you have firearms in the house, make sure they’re unloaded and out of reach. Store the ammunition separately.