Okay, so maybe babyproofing at the Spahr House won't be as challenging as most, (come on, I am a babyproofer); but I do understand. I have many clients cutting back their list, wanting approval for not strapping furniture, or opting out of latching each and every cabinet in the kitchen. They want a list of the essentials. So...here it is, The Can't Live Without it, Must Have, Even During a Recession, List of Essential Babyproofing Products.
THE LIST:
- Kidco Swivel Latch: Locks your drawers and cabinets to limit your child's access to potentially hazardous items. The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install if you are handy with a drill; ability to "turn off" latch. Hint: to keep the cost down, consolidate your dangerous items into a few cabinets and lock them up. Keep your medications, chemicals and other dangerous items high in a locked cabinet for extra security.
- Window Wedges- These wedges keep windows from opening past the AAP recommendation of 4". The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install; no tools required; Hint: for older children you may choose to use a different type of latch/lock. Be certain that any lock you have is easily disabled in the event of an emergency.
- Furniture Straps- Keeps furniture from tipping over. The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install if you are handy with a drill. Hint: straps should always be installed into a stud in the wall.
- Childproofing Gates- With falls being a leading cause of injury to children under age 4, gates are a must. The Gains: there are many gate options available; excellent barrier to keep your tots out of "off-limit" areas; gates available (and recommended) for the top and bottom of the stairs. Hint: can be difficult to install; you may want to consider hiring a professional for this installation- could save you money in the long run. Find a babyproofing consultant in your area by visiting the IAFCS.
- Slide Plates vs Plugs- Used to keep fingers, keys, forks and other items out of the outlets. Slide Plates: The Gains: easy to use; you won't break your nails trying to operate; Plugs: The Gains: inexpensive; no directions required; Hint: if it fits through a toilet paper roll, it's a hazard! Keep plugs out of reach of children. Consider using the slide plates for outlets commonly used, and for outlets in the nursery/playroom. Use the plugs in outlets rarely accessed.
Other useful links: International Association for Child Safety, Home Safety Council
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1 comment:
All of these are excellent ideas. You really do have to look at each living area and try to think as a young child would and envision all of the things that he or she could possibly get into. When I visited the new home of my daughter and her family, which includes a tot, this is exactly what I did. And I ended up buying them two relatively inexpensive items. One is called KinderGard, sort of a "starter kit" that takes care of some immediate potential problems around the home, such as cabinets in the kitchen and accessible electrical outlets and other things. KinderGard is not the total answer, but treats some critical obvious things until you can seal off every possible problem. The other is a Pool Protector, which is a small, lightweight, portable device that you can attach to the side of the pool. When a tot or a pet jumps or falls into the pool, an alarm goes off. Once again, that's not the final answer to your pool protection problems. You need to always have adult supervision, some protective fences and some other items. But this is a good first step. You find find the KinderGard at www.yoursecurityandsafety.com/KinderGard.htm and the Pool Protector at www.yoursecurityandsafety.com/poolalarm.htm
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