Keeping your baby/toddler safe can be a tough job. They are fast, curious, and want to grab anything they can get their hands on!
Until they are about 4, a child’s inquiring mind can get them into trouble because they explore without concern of consequences. They pull things off tables, climb to get what they want, and dive into purses, cupboards, and drawers to find new items to play with. I had this child. He moved so quickly you almost had to put lights on him to know where he was. And curious? He could clear a cupboard in minutes if he saw a glimmer of something that he wanted at the back.
There are some people that say you shouldn’t change your house for a baby, they should learn what they can and cannot touch. I say lock it all down and give them access later when they prove to you they are mature enough to not touch things that are dangerous. Always err on the side of caution – always.
To help you kid-proof your home, Julie Vallese, Safety 1st Consumer Safety Expert, has shared some great tips to keep your Nursery and Toddler Room Safe.
Recommendations and regulations for cribs were updated in 2011 prohibiting the sale or resale of drop-side cribs. These new standards also require the crib’s mattress support, slats, and hardware to be more durable and manufacturers have to test to new more stringent requirements to prove compliance. Cribs are expensive baby purchases and are often handed down or borrowed. It important to check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure your crib meets these new standards.
To prevent suffocation and strangulation, be sure that the crib sheet stays tightly in place. Don’t keep pillows, extra toys, stuffed animals, or blankets in the crib. When your child is a newborn these items could pose a suffocation hazard. Later, an older child can use these items, as well as crib bumpers, as a “stepping stool” for getting out of the crib.
Monitor Cords
Since 2004, there have been seven deaths associated with monitor cord strangulations as a result of baby monitors being placed in or near the crib. Recently the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association issued a public service announcement on how to use a monitor safety. Most important always keep the monitor at least six feet away from a crib or bassinet. If kept closer to a crib, baby can reach out and become entangled in the cords causing injury or death.
Furniture Tip-Overs
As babies get older and transition to toddler beds all new safety hazards are introduced. Toddlers will now have access to their room, and potentially the entire house, without adult supervision. Also keep in mind that furniture, even wide dressers, can be surprisingly tippable. Toddlers open drawers and use them as a ladder to reach items that are on top of a dresser. These open drawers, plus the weight of a toddler, can make even the sturdiest of dressers tip over. Secure furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.
Windows
Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Properly install window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. For windows above the first floor, include an emergency release device in case of fire. Install window stops so that windows open no more than four inches.
Disclosure: I have been compensated through the Safety 1st Ambassador Blogging Program which also included samples. Information shared has been provided by Safety 1st. My thoughts are my own.
