Baby Proof Your Home

Children and babies are curious by nature. Here are some tips to keep your little-loved ones protected from household hazards.

• Secure the accessible — Install latches to prevent children from getting into ovens, washing machines, dryers, cabinets or drawers with hazardous objects.
• Lock up harmful products — Keep cleaning products, household tools and medicines out of reach.
• Avoid shock risk — Cover all power outlets within reach of your child with covers or plugs they cannot remove.
• Prevent choking hazards — Put anything small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll away and out of reach.
• Eliminate standing water — Use toilet-lid locks and don’t leave water in bathtubs or buckets.
• Use safety gates — Strategically place gates to keep children away from stairs, the kitchen and other areas. Make sure gates are up to date with safety standards. Avoid v-shaped gates that can entrap a child’s head.
• Cover door knobs — Use door knob covers and locks to prevent children from going outside unattended and getting into other places with hazards.
• Install screens — Cover your fireplace with locking screens and install window guards and safety netting for balconies, decks and landings.
• Barricade access to pools — Install a pool gate and use protective barriers and covers for pools, spas, fountains and ponds.
• Cap corners — Cover edges and corners of counters, furniture and hearths with foam or thick fabric.
• Anchor down — Secure bookshelves, televisions and heavy furniture to walls with brackets and anchors.