Easy ways to baby proof your home on a budget
One of the most important things parents need to do when they have a baby around the house is to make sure they baby proof their home. We take a look at seven safety measures that could save your baby’s life.
Accidents such as kids bumping their heads against sharp objects around the house, children getting burnt by stoves or irons, and children falling into swimming pools and drowning can be avoided, but only if parents take the right precautions.
The good thing is, baby proofing your house doesn’t have to cost you lots of money. There are simple things that you can do that can save your baby from accidents that shouldn’t happen.
Put medication where your child can't reach it
One of the most dangerous things that a baby can be exposed to is medicine. Leaving your medicine where your baby can reach it can result in them consuming it and that could put their health in danger. Therefore, put your medicine in a safe or in a place where your child can't reach it. This also includes any other thing that could harm your baby's health such as soap, baby shampoo etc.
Have a net and fence around your swimming pool
Each year, far too many kids die from drowning in a pool. To avoid this, parents need to ensure that they put a safety net around the pool. You should also have a fence that is at least six feet high around all sides of the pool with a locked gate.
Install non-slip mats
Use non-slip materials on the pool deck, diving board, and ladders around your swimming pool and also next to the tub.
Set the water temperature to medium
Make sure that you set your water temperature to medium, especially if your child is at an age where they can reach the taps in the bathroom or kitchen. This is to avoid them getting burnt by water.
Lock your burglar doors at all times
Sometimes kids can leave the house when you are not looking, so it is very important that you make sure that your burglar gates are always locked. If you don’t have burglar doors, make sure you keep your doors and gates locked, so that kids don’t end up leaving the yard without your knowledge.
Keep kitchen cabinets closed with a rubber band
If you keep things such as glass, plates, and cutlery in your cupboards where your child can reach them, they might take them out and harm themselves. Rather lock the cupboards. If you can't lock your cupboards, and are looking for a cheap way to keep the doors closed, consider using a rubber band or wool that you can tie around the knobs, or just move the items to top shelves.
Put dangerous electrical appliances where your child can’t reach them
Things like the iron and heaters shouldn’t be placed where your child can reach them. If by any chance your child accidentally switches the plug on, they might get shocked or burnt.
Remember you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your children. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than the cure.’