Experts say that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be in great dangers of burns, drowning, choking or poisoning. A lot of children are accidentally injured every year that is why it is important to carefully childproof our homes.

Here’s a Childproofing Checklist that can help on what to do before your baby arrives, before your baby crawls, or before your baby starts toddling and climbing.

Electrical Outlets

Protect electrical outlets with outlet covers or plug-in caps. If you can get one that has a sliding safety latch, it may be much safer as some may  be easily removed and may end up in your baby’s mouth.

Another option, and also a cheaper alternative,  is to use electrical tapes to cover exposed outlets like extension cords.

Since most of us are using fans, opt for tower fans which are a little safer that has a small opening on the front of the fan that little fingers cannot fit into. If you are using standard desk or stand fans,  there’s a net cover you can use for a more affordable alternative. Of course, if you have the budget, there are now blade less fans in the market.  Children, no matter how small should be reminded all the time that touching the fan or getting near it is a no-no.

Furniture and Fixtures

Furniture corners are another common hazard, especially those found on coffee, center and side tables. Put bumpers to cover all sharp corners and to soften the impact if your child falls or bump into the edges.

Secure and bolt heavy bookcases, cabinets, and appliances to the wall. Push items like televisions and players back from the furniture edge or put them in place that they are out of reach. Put heavy  items on bottom shelves or drawers to make furniture less top-heavy.

Always keep drawers closed after using or install locks that prevent little hands from opening them. Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing up, using it as a ladder and reaching the windowsill.

In storing toys within the play area, have low level storage places so children do not have to climb up to get them. Avoid toy boxes with heavy lids that can fall on heads and fingers.

Safety Gates

Install safety gates if you have stairs or if you want block access to rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. It is recommended to use gates that are attached to the walls with screws instead of pressure gates as it’s much more secure.

Curtains and Blinds

Window blinds cords pose a hazard because babies could become trapped in the cords and be strangled in a matter of minutes. Wherever possible, use cordless window coverings or cut the pull cords short and keep them out of reach.

Windows and Doors

Fit windows with locks to prevent small children from opening them. Window stops or guards can help window screens be more safe as they are not strong enough to prevent falls.

For doors, use doorstops, door holders or finger jam protectors on doors and door hinges to prevent injuries to hands. Children’s small hands are prone to getting crushed in closing doors.

Household Chemicals

Lock up medicines and cleaning products including detergents and dish washer soaps out of children’s reach. You may use child proof locks on cupboards and cabinets. Don’t put any cleaning agents or other potential poison in food or drink containers, instead keep them in the original container which has warnings and safety precautions on it.

Throw away old or expired medicines. Medicines should be disposed properly and should not be flushed in the toilet or poured down on drains as they can contaminate the water supply.

Water (Bathroom/ Pool)

Don’t allow your child to play in the bathroom, in the pool or even near the pool without supervision. Lack of supervision is one of the main causes of children drowning. There is the danger of drowning in a small amount,  in as little as a few inches, of water.

For babies and toddlers, make sure they doesn’t find his way into the bathroom unsupervised.  This may means having the bathroom closed all the time with a childproof lock. A simple alternative is to use a hook-and-eye lock high on the outside of the door that children cannot reach.

It will also be safer to use a nonslip rubber mat in the bathtub and on the floor next to the tub to prevent falls. When using the tub, we should teach your kids to stay seated in at all times.

Keep an eye out for tiny objects which are choking hazards to small kids. Pick up and stow away coins, marbles, beads, paper clips, and other small objects you find on low tables or the floor.  Be watchful when you have visitors coming over as they may have small items in their bags, purse that are dangerous to small children.

Childproofing your home is an ongoing process and not a one-time thing.  As children grows, when they start walking and climbing, there’s a need to reevaluate again, looking higher each time. Keep in mind that no device are  better substitute for your own eyes and ears. Supervision is still the best device.

Sources: Baby Center | Child and Youth Health