Child Proofing Tips

By Robert Robillard on Home And Personal Safety


Image: safetyresource.org

Child Proofing Tips For Your Home

As I mentioned in part 1, proper supervision, securing dangerous items and common sense is the best safety combination you can use. Making a child’s environment a safe one is is half the battle! These child proofing tips will help you get started.

I recently “childproofed” a kitchen for a customer. While doing this, I found the best way to approach this job was to get down low to the floor and look around from the vantage point of the toddler. In this way, I noticed areas that we, as adults, tend to over look.

In this post I offer you some suggestions for child safety in the kitchen. The average kitchen has many things that a young child just loves to grab, hopefully we can address most of them.

Child Proofing Tips:

  • All electrical appliances should be out of reach and un plugged.
  • All kitchen utensils should be stored after use, especially those with sharp blades or points.
  • Secure the trash barrel in a container with a secured or hard-to-open lid, or store it under the sink and install a child-resistant latch on the door.
  • Secure aluminum foil, waxed paper, and other wraps boxed with sharp cutting edges.
  • Teach your child at an early age the meaning of “hot” and that the stove, whether on or off, is a off limits. Hot liquids, not fire, are the most common cause of burns to children.
  • Cook on the back burners and keep the handles of post and pans pointed in. When cooking, keep pot handles turned inward so small children can’t reach them.
  • Remove the stove control knobs may be an option.
  • To prevent children from opening the refrigerator door, you can install a refrigerator lock at the top of the door
  • Consider installing a child proof lock on the dishwasher. Always load knives and sharp objects pointing downward so they are not as hazardous when the door is open. Only pour in dish washing detergent just before you run the dishwasher.
  • If your child can reach the garbage disposer switch, there are a couple of methods to keep him or her from flipping it on. Replace the cover plate with a locking outdoor switch cover or replace the switch with a key switch (like the ones used for lights at schools). Both of these are available at electrical supply shops.
  • Be sure your trash compactor won’t operate when the door is open and that it can be turned on only with a key. Put the key where your child can’t get it.
  • Keep plastic bags out of reach. They are a suffocation hazard for young kids
  • Use a high chair with a harness and always use it.
  • Cleaning solvents and other sprays and liquids represent a major risk, store them high and lock them up.
  • Most hardware stores or home stores carry locks that will secure cupboard doors and drawers. You may also consider using a safety gate for your kitchen door, especially when cooking.
  • Teaching the child the meaning of “no” is always more important than any gadget.
  • Never leave a small child or toddler unsupervised in the kitchen. Gate off area if possible.

Stay safe!!


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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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