Your home is a safe haven for you and your children, and it’s a joy to create a nurturing environment. Each stage of childhood development requires a different mindset to make sure your home is as safe as can be for them.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gadgets to help childproof your home and protect your little ones. Here are some ways you can have peace of mind when it comes to your children’s safety.
Home through your children’s eyes
Knowing that your home is as safe as can be for your little ones is a priceless gift to everyone in your family. First, it’s a good idea to get on your kid’s level — literally. For example, are they crawling around on the floors? Get on your hands and knees to see your home through their eyes. You might find some areas that require childproofing attention.
Next, remember that childproofing a home goes beyond babies and toddlers. Also, consider older kids and adolescents.
The most common areas for household accidents are:
- Areas with water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
- Anywhere there’s heat, such as kitchens or grills.
- Storage area for toxic substances, such as underneath the kitchen sink, the shed or garage.
- Potential fall areas, such as staircases, windows or tipping furniture.
- Choking hazards, such as unsafe sleep environments, foods that pose a choking risk, button batteries, etc.
By starting with these essential areas, you’ll be on your way to a safer home. However, no matter how secure your home is, the best thing you can do is stay watchful and keep a mindful eye on your little ones.
How to improve the safety of children in the home
There are dozens of gadgets that can help you childproof your home. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Here are some examples of tools that can help you childproof your house:
- Safety latches can help keep little hands out of drawers and cabinets.
- Corner bumpers protect kids from sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces.
- Outlet covers will help prevent electrocution. Just make sure the outlet covers are not easy for children to remove.
- Safety gates will help prevent falls down stairs and keep children out of rooms that aren’t childproof.
- Window guards and safety netting help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, etc.
Planning for emergencies
Make sure you and your loved ones are knowledgeable about what to do in an emergency. First, talk to your children about a safety plan in the event of a fire or natural disaster. Every member of your family should understand what to do and how to respond accordingly.
Next, keep a contact book for important safety numbers, such as poison control and your local hospital. This information should be easy to access by everyone in your home. You can also take safety classes for life-saving skills, such as the Heimlich Maneuver and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Understanding how to help in the event of a crisis will help you feel even more secure and confident at home.
Finding the home of your dreams
Are you ready to move your family into the home of your dreams? It doesn’t feel like work when you’re childproofing a home you love and cherish.
First Centennial Mortgage wants you to not only find an affordable home with the best financing options, but one that is safe for you and your children. Contact the experts at First Centennial Mortgage to learn more.