Baby Protection Tips

Starting on Wednesday (8/1) I began sharing what tips to take to have your home child-proof. I hope you enjoy.
-Reggie

Many parents think about (or start) childproofing their homes just before or right after their children begin crawling. And many quickly realize that kids find things to get into that adults hadn’t realized were hazardous.
Jerilynn Shaker, a child-safety expert, provides clients with a booklet of tips. More at DallasNews.com.

KITCHEN
*Remove hazardous products from under the sink and lower cabinets and us a safety latch.
*Use a latch on higher cabinets to thwart climbers.
*Keep electrical cords out of reach.
*Consider safety latches for the oven, refrigerator and dishwasher.

BATHROOM
*Turn the water heater’s thermostat down to 120 to 130 degrees. Water at 156 degrees can cause third-degree burns.
*Never leave a young child unattended in a bathtub. A child can drown in 2 inches of water.
*Place locks on toilet lids.
*Install latches on drawers and medicine cabinets.

LIVING ROOM
*Remove furnishings with sharp edges or protrusions. Keep furniture that kids can climb on away from windows to prevent falls.
*Anchor unstable furniture to the wall to prevent it from toppling.
*Use an entertainment center designed to hold a TV and that can’t be pulled over by a climbing child.
*Add a screen or doors to the fireplace. Use padding, a cushion and edge guards on the hearth in case of falls.
*Decorative mirrors should have taped backs and safety film.