Toddler Safety: Securing Everything to Walls
With the recent SuperBowl commercial, "Make Safe Happen" by Nationwide, the important discussion about toddler safety at home is being talked about not just my parents, but grandparents, neighbors, uncles, aunts, etc. If you have small children who visit your house, you really should make sure the area the will be in is safe. I get a daily reminder of how quickly almost 2 year olds can scale a table, get into a cabinet, or pull something off a table. So what are some simple ways to toddler proff your home?
1. Remove/collect small everyday objects and move them to a place they can't not access. Paperclips, staplers, keys, pens, coins...if it can fit into their mouth and they can possibly swallow it or has a sharp edge, get it out of the room.
2. Scan your table tops for items that can easily be pulled off. Move lamps to the back of your tables and make sure the cords are not accessible. Anything that is fragile that is in reach, just remove from the room.
3. Secure your cabinets and large items that can easily be tipped over. Large LCD TVs, Pie Safes, China Cabinets, Dresser Drawers, etc. Anything with drawers or doors they can climb or pull out. It is amazing how easy it is to pull a tall dresser over with one drawer open. If you do secure an item, make sure you use the appropriate straps/screws and secure it in at least two places and secure it to the wall studs.
4. Lock any cabinets within reach of little ones. Little ones love nothing better than opening and going through bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
5. Remove any cleaning supplies, medications, or potentially hazardous items.
Did you know there are at least two (2) organizations that will supply free anchoring straps to you?
Safe and Sound with Amaya (http://www.safeandsoundwithamaya.org/) was started to help educate parents, grandparents and caregivers with sound ideas for better supervision and safe planning for a more secure environment. They provide very good tips on ip over provention and will send you free straps! CLICK HERE FOR FREE STRAPS.
The Proctor and Gamble Corporate Site also provides a free safety latch starter kit.
Please add comments below if you know of additional programs that provide free safety items for toddlers! Let's keep our kids safe!
