Childproof Your Home
in 5 Easy Steps

childproofing tips, home safety tips, safety tips, babyproofing tips

Kids have a way of finding hazards you might never have suspected were there.

Here's how to remedy that - and effectively childproof your home - in 5 easy steps.

1: Bathroom Basics.

* Pad the tub spout.

* Place nonskid appliques in the tub.

* Lock the medicine cabinet.

* Put cabinet locks on lower cabinets.

* Request child-resistant tops for prescription medicines.

* Keep razors well out of reach.

* Use a toilet-lid lock.

* Remove soaps small enough to fit into a child's mouth.

2: Bedroom Patrol.

* Keep beds and chairs away from window blinds and drapery cords.

* Remove breakable knickknacks.

3: Living Room Checkup.

* Pad sharp edges on furniture and raised fireplace hearths.

* Place nonskid backing on area rugs.

* Secure bookcases to the wall.

* Remove rickety furniture.

4: Kitchen Safety.

* Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove top.

* Keep knives and other sharp implements out of children's reach.

* Store plastic bags high and out of sight.

* Install latches on cabinets.

* Latch the refrigerator door.

* Remove small refrigerator magnets (they're choking hazards).

* Lock up trash containers.

* Store cleaning products in out-of-reach cabinets.

* Don't use tablecloths.

5: Throughout the House.

* Install window guards (except on one window in each bedroom).

* Keep stairways clear; install gates at top and bottom.

* Keep furniture away from windows.

* Enclose the fireplace with glass doors.

* Cover electrical outlets with plastic plugs designed for the purpose.

* Keep wires, lamps, and lighting fixtures out of reach.

* Use sandwich bag ties or rubber bands to hold hanging cords out of reach.

* Make plants inaccessible to babies.

* Install sheets of rigid, clear plastic along stairway rails if they stand more than 4 inches (10cm) apart.

* Install knob covers on interior doors.