25 Dec Safety advice for parents: The top ways to childproof your home
Curious by nature, young children are keen explorers from the minute they can get about. Yes, those little fingers will be in every nook and cranny, and seemingly unaware of potential dangers that, as a parent, you can’t stop thinking about!
Creating a safe haven for your child while facilitating this natural inquisitiveness is the key to a fulfilling upbringing that quenches that thirst for knowledge and protects your little one. With this in mind, your quest for a higher standard of safety should always begin at home.
Childproofing your home can significantly reduce the risk of preventable injuries, including those caused by door-related finger trapping, and as you’ll discover, there’s a LOT to think about…
Secure and soften furniture
Children love to climb, and unsecured furniture makes the perfect playground. Without the right intervention, furniture can tip over causing severe injuries. Items like bookshelves, TVs and cabinets are the most lethal, but can so easily be attached to surrounding walls using brackets or straps to boost stability and prevent tipping incidents.
Sharp corners of furniture can also be softened to safeguard against cuts, bumps and bruises. Corner and edge guards are excellent investments that can be installed in seconds.
Call on our finger door guards
As our recent blog on door-related finger injury statistics reveals, accidents involving the crushing or trapping of fingers are extremely common. Thousands of children trap their fingers in doors every year and, as BBC News describes, the resulting injuries can cause permanent damage that has the potential to negatively impact every part of life:
“It’s easy to underestimate how important your hands are to doing everyday tasks. Injuries to fingers and hands mean tying your shoelaces, typing, holding a mobile phone or eating become a lot more challenging. And this is nothing compared to the impact of a finger amputation… Fingertip injury alone can result in 20% loss of hand strength and can prevent people from pursuing their chosen career.”
Installing protectors eliminates the risk of little fingers getting caught in the hinge side of doors, providing a physical barrier that prevents accidents. Finger door guard maintenance is also made easy, meaning you can enjoy a simple and straightforward home safety solution long into the future.
Avoid this childproofing staple
Electrical outlets are magnets for curious little fingers. Plug protectors or socket covers have long been the go-to for parents concerned about household safety as a result. Yet, due to updated guidance, these products are childproofing no-nos.
Socket covers are not recommended for use in the UK, with UK socket outlets already designed to stop wandering fingers from coming into contact with the dangerous live components within. With research proving that these socket covers do more harm than good, experts are urging parents to dispose of dangerous plug protectors.
Make certain areas off-limits
Some parts of the home should be completely off-limits to young children. This includes stairwells, and cupboards that house cleaning products, medication or DIY supplies. Install safety gates and childproof locks to block all access to potentially hazardous areas once and for all.
Cords from blinds or curtains should also be placed out of reach. Cord safety wraps or cleats can help keep them securely tucked away.
Put home safety first – always!
Childproofing really is an ongoing process that evolves as your child grows. With every passing month or year, your child’s ability to reach new heights and explore new areas increases. Be sure to inspect your home regularly, noting new hazards and adjusting your childproofing measures accordingly.
Remember, even with the best childproofing, supervision remains key. Teach your child about safety as they grow, and explain why certain areas or items are off-limits in simple terms they can understand.
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