It’s no secret that toddlers love to do whatever they want to do, especially when they’re at an age where they can sit up, crawl, grab, and walk all by themselves. They’re curious about the world and everything around them that they want to explore it all. Look away for a sec, and they’ve zoomed to the next room already.
Though providing them the tools and the space they need to navigate the world around them, sometimes they trip, bump their head, or scratch a knee. That’s all normal. But every parent fears for their child’s safety, and that’s normal too.
The best compromise is to make the child’s immediate space the safest to minimize accidents. Where does a child spend most hours playing?
Either it’s in a playroom, a space in the living room, or their bedroom, there are similar ways to baby-proof these rooms. Here are some suggestions on doing so.
Cover Table Corners
Toddlers, especially at the age of one, are first learning how to walk and run without assistance and at longer distances. However, their balance isn’t reliable yet. Things falling and getting knocked over is something to be expected. But sometimes, they can trip and fall too, which can cause minor injuries or accidents. Making sharp turns around table corners are among thing to watch out for. Cover table corners with foam or baby-proof covers so that they’re safe from sharp edges.
Choose Anti-Skid for Rugs
Speaking of running and tripping, consider getting rugs with an anti-skid underside. This prevents any sliding or tripping hazards for the child. Unless they are play mats that function for playing, they’re safe for children to run on.
Water-Repellent Covers
Other than being active and clumsy, toddlers can be messy eaters. For rooms like the living room, wherein it’s close to the kitchen, sipping on their juice box on the couch while their eyes are glued to the TV screen is one step away from a tragedy.
Unless you’ve established a rule of no eating on the couch, it’s safer to assume that they will eventually spill whatever it is they’re eating on drinking. However, getting water-repellent cushion covers will make the cleaning easier. They’re accident-proof and easy to clean.
Put Shelves Higher
Toddlers are still incapable of higher brain functions, such as estimating the height of shelves with their height. To further prevent accidental bumps, bolt their bedroom shelves higher. Besides, it might take them a while to fully appreciate getting to choose what book to read from a shelf.
Cover Outlets
To state the obvious, children are naturally curious, especially towards things that are novel to them. Sometimes, their fascination doesn’t yield positive learning. This is the reason why parents should cover outlets. Outlets are typically found close to the floor, making them accessible to toddlers if they find them interesting.
Anchor Heavy Furniture to Walls
Besides bolting shelves, it’s important to bolt heavy furniture in their room to the wall. These are usually cabinets and dressers. Toddlers are incessant. They’re curious, they’re active, and if it takes for them to climb furniture to satisfy their curiosities, you can bet that they’ll do it.
This isn’t a behavior that should be encouraged, but bolting heavy furniture to the wall is the safest thing to do as an extra means to prevent accidents. In fact, injuries and accidents caused by toppling furniture happen, as the A.C.C.C. (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) reported.
Window Guards
The thing about toddlers is that they are creative. Another climbable place would be the window stool. Even if the window was closed, it could still be dangerous for the child. Install a window guard to discourage any climbing onto the window stool. It’s a great feature in their bedroom. It serves a dual purpose of form and function!
Childproof Door Lock
Most parents install locks on drawers and cabinets containing dangerous things, like knives or cleaning materials. But what about for other rooms that require supervision for them to be in? For doors that lead to the bathroom or the basement, install a special door lock on the door frame.
Baby-proofing is great for the safety of the child and peace of mind. Toddlers can be relentless, so it’s great to have these measures installed so that you don’t have to keep telling them no. Supervision is always key. Baby-proofing is a great way to extend supervision, especially when there are no eyes to watch the child.
The bottom line is that they will always be safe, even without the supervision of an adult. They can explore, play, and enjoy their early years without the risk of harm.
