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Buying Guide > What You Should Know > Childproofing
You may think that the greatest risk to your baby is in your car or on the playground. But your child spends most of his or her
time at home, and that's where you should practice safety first. Consider these safety tips when childproofing your home.
Place your baby's crib away from windows that have shade or blind cords. Children can become entangled in cords
and injure themselves. Long ceiling fan cords or light cords should be shortened so that your baby can't reach them from the
crib. Be sure that the crib is not in the direct sunlight.
If possible purchase a baby intercom so that you can monitor your child's napping and sleep time.
Once your baby begins to crawl, plug safety shields in all electrical outlets. Secure all electrical cords to
table legs so that your baby can't pull down heavy lamps, etc.
If your baby can reach the windows be sure that the screens are secure when windows are open. In warm weather be
sure screen doors are locked or blocked so your baby can't wander outside.
A crawling baby will put anything into his or her mouth. Check the room from your baby's point of view. Pick up
any small objects and check for any dangerous areas.
There are a number of safety gates on the market that can close off a stairway, a doorway, or a large archway
entrance. Staircases are especially intriguing to crawling babies. Be sure to close off the staircase in your home once your
baby begins to crawl -- especially if your baby is using a walker.
Keep ashtrays, matches, cigarettes and hot drinks off of low tables. To prevent accidental burns, never drink a
hot beverage or smoke while holding your baby.
Purchase cabinet and drawer locking clips or child proof devices. Go through your home securing closets, cabinets,
or storage areas from which you want to protect your child -- and also protect from your child.
Store plastic garbage bags far away from your baby's reach. When removing the plastic from dry cleaning, tie it
into knots and discard it immediately. A curious child can easily smother in a plastic bag.
House plants can also pose a danger to your baby. Some are poisonous and should be put up out of reach. Large
house plants and trees can become a great place to dig. Check with a florist or nursery to ensure that your plants are safe
for your baby.
Kitchens and bathrooms pose the greatest danger. Locking clips on drawers and cabinets are a must. Place any
dangerous items in out-of-reach areas.
Once your baby begins to pull up, counter tops and table tops become new places to explore. Be sure that pots and
pans on the stove and counter tops are unreachable. Move them to back burners, and always keep the handles toward the back of
the stove. Add all-purpose latches to keep the oven door locked.
Never carry your baby in a soft carrier while cooking. To let your baby feel involved in the process while
staying safe (and to take the mystery out of the stove), put him or her in the high chair when you're preparing meals.
Keep garbage and waste baskets out of your baby's reach. They often contain hazardous materials. If you can't
place them in a safe area, purchase ones with secure lids that your baby can't open.
Avoid using table cloths that hang over the edge of the table. Your baby can grab the edge causing heavy objects
to come crashing down. Until your child is older-switch to place mats.
Watch your purse! Babies love to rummage through mom's purse. But purses often contain dangerous cosmetics,
prescription medications, nail files, pens, etc. Put it out of your baby's reach.
For more information on childproofing your home and other nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.
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