Are you ready to bring home your new bundle of joy? Homes are dangerous to babies and young children.  Children are constantly learning and are curious about the environment around them, but this can get them into some unintentional trouble. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9 million children (ages 0-19) are seen in emergency departments for injuries and more than 9,000 children die as a result of being injured. Childproofing is a necessary step for preventing accidental injury or death to a little one in your home.

Be Aware of Falling Furniture
You know well enough as an adult not to hang or climb on heavy furniture, but your children do not. Especially if the furniture is unbalanced, it is a danger to your child. Anchor heavy furniture such as dressers, entertainment centers, bookcases, etc. to the wall using anti tip, earthquake proof straps. You also need to be aware of anything that is on top of desk that can potentially fall and injure your child. Televisions, lamps, and heavy books can easily be pushed or tugged off a table accidentally.

Utilize Locks and Height
Using childproof cabinet locks, be sure to lock up toxic cleaning products, sharp implements, and any medicine (your child might think its candy.)  .  For products, if you do not wish to purchase good locks (getting a pack of 7 for $3 are likely to break quickly. You should invest in good quality products), you should put them in a high location where children are unable to reach them. Toilets and any other places with water should be locked or children should be supervised. Children can drown in very little water.

Pay Attention to Potential Choking Hazards
Children tend to put things in their mouth and anything that can fit through a cardboard toilet paper roll is too small and can potentially be a choking hazard. This includes items such as removable caps, small pieces of toys, dice, plastic insets placed in unused electrical sockets, etc.

Use Gates When Appropriate
Gates can be used when you don’t want your child to have access to a certain area. Use a gate at the top or bottom of stairs if you don’t want them to accidentally fall down the stairs; use a fate at their bedroom door at night to prevent older toddlers and children from wandering around. If you have a pool, make sure to use good quality pool fencing to limit your child from accessing the pool area unattended.

Careful with Electricity and Cords
Electricity and shock is very dangerous to anyone, especially young children. Cover electrical outlets with sliding covers instead of plastic inserts (which can be pulled out and present a choking hazard.) Tuck exposed cords behind molding or use a tubing system, which will help prevent kids from chewing on them. Be sure to unplug hair dryers, straightening irons, etc. and put them on a high shelf.