When it comes to making life changes–major or minor–remembering everything you need to accomplish can be overwhelming. With the help of CORE Checklists, we hope to make even the biggest transitions as stress free as possible.
Having just given birth to twin boys, Deirdre De Risi knew she needed to do some research to make sure that her apartment would be safe for when her boys become mobile. With the baby proofing industry producing thousands of gadgets, websites, books and professional childproofing consultants for hire, Deirdre decided these were the most helpful tips for creating a safe environment for her sons.
- Be vigilant. There is no better way to keep your children safe than to not leave them unattended, or at least within sight unless they are in their crib or an enclosed space created just for them.
- Create a safe haven. Choose one or two rooms, such as their nursery and a den, and provide ample roaming room.
- Put your guard up. Most super or management companies will install window gurads. Also convert blinds and curtains to the kid-safe wands or get clips that secure any loose strings to the wall.
- Prevent electrical hazards. Tie up cable and electrical wires and replace outlet plates with the ones that automatically slide to cover the outlets when they are not in use.
- Kitchen and stove safety. Keep knives, utensils and pots and pans out of reach and set-up child safety knobs for your stove.
- Sanitation is key. Install a toilet lock to prevent any unsanitary exposure.
- Get bumping. Cover sharp corners on tables, counters and low cabinets with bumpers to prevent possible injury.
- Poison patrol. Keep cleaning products, medicines/vitamins, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and even some plants out of reach of your children.
- So long small objects. Small toys, loose change and buttons should be kept off the floor.
- Farewell to fragile. Glass, ceramic and other fragile knickknacks should be moved to higher shelves and spices away while your children are learning to crawl.
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