Here are some basic guidelines for childproofing your home. While it does have a lot of things included in it, there may be some gaps. There are lots of things that people can do to help protect their child from household dangers. No matter how much you do or spend it should never be in place of adult supervision though.
In all areas of the home
1. Install outlet covers and plates to prevent access.
2. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors around all bedrooms and the kitchen.
3. Use window guards and safety stops on second story windows. Remove blind cords that have loops.
4. If the house is older than 1978 then it might have lead based paint. If there is chipping or flaking paint, have it removed professionally.
5. Place bumpers and guard around all sharp edges on furniture and fireplaces.
6. Secure book shelves and tall furniture so the do not fall over.
7. Install fireplace grill. Keep matches and fireplace tools out of reach.
8. Make sure that garage door opener is set to reverse automatically if there is an obstruction.
9. Make sure all firearms are unloaded and stored in a safe or with a gun lock on. Keep all ammunition stored in a separate place.
10. Remember that children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. protect them from ponds, wells, pools and even 5 gallon buckets.
Kitchen safety
1. Install safety locks on all lower cupboards and keep sharp knives and breakables out of reach.
2. Store all kitchen cleaners and other hazardous items out of reach or in a cupboard with child safety locks.
3. Use the back burners when cooking and/or have the pot handles turned in and not towards the counters edge.
4. Always close and latch the dishwasher and trash compactor.
5. Install GFCI protected outlets to prevent electrical shocks.
6. Make sure that the trash can has a lid or is in a cabinet inaccessible to children.
7. Have a cupboard or drawer with harmless items such as plastic ware and wooden spoons set aside for kids to play in while you are cooking.
Bathroom
1. Make sure your faucets and shower heads are equipped with non scalding devices.
2. Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees.
3. Keep toilet seat cover closed or even install a clip for extra safety.
4. Install GFCI protected outlets to prevent electrical shocks.
5. Don’t plug anything in near the bathtub.
6. Install safety latches and keep all medications and cleaners out of reach. Make sure that all medications are stored in their original packaging.
7. Place non slip stickers on floor of bathtub and rubber guard over the faucet to prevent injury.
Stairs
1. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. ones that are screwed to the wall are more secure.
2. Make sure that hand rails go the entire length of the stairs.
3. Remove any clutter or toys near the stairs to prevent tripping.
Bedroom
1. Make sure that the crib and other furniture are not too close to windows, cords, heater vents, wall hangings and other potentially hazardous objects.
2. Make sure that the crib slats are close together and the sides do not move up or down. Make sure the crib mattress is firm and fits snugly into the crib. Do not place toys, fluffy blankets, pillows or other type bedding in the crib to eliminate most chances of suffocation.
3. Make sure there is a safety strap on the changing table.
4. Installing carpeting in the room can lessen the impact of any accidental falls.
