Childproofing Your Home

Many parents do not realize how quickly time passes. Before they know it their child will be crawling and walking. Young children want to touch (and eat) everything in sight. Children's curiosity causes many accidents. Luckily, many of these injuries are preventable. Parents should begin childproofing their home during pregnancy.

For effective childproofing, try crawling around the house on all fours, like toddlers do. This could help identify potentially dangerous situations.

It is often difficult for adults to see the dangers that lurk in their homes. Try crawling around the house on all fours, like toddlers do, this could help identify potentially dangerous situations. Young children learn about their environment by touching and putting things, even non-edible objects, in their mouths. By crawling around the floor one may find tiny, yet potentially dangerous, objects that have fallen behind couches or under beds.

By four months of age, infants are putting things in their mouth. Coins, buttons, earrings or even large crumbs can cause a small child to choke. Picking up and vacuuming become very important when small children are around.

Other items such as keys, a pack of gum, eye glasses, paperclips or a pill may be inadvertently left in an easily accessible place.

Be aware of uncovered electrical outlets, lamp cords and sharp corners that can be potential hazards.

Other preventive measure that future parents can take include:

  • Learning CPR and ways to handle choking
  • Writing down the number for the Poison Control Center
  • Installing fire or smoke detectors
  • Erect fencing in play yards, around wells, hot tubs and swimming pools.