Volume 13, Number 6: October 2005
New Parent or Grandparent? Childproof That House!
From the moment children can locomote, the chase is on. Their curiosity and energy are fun and fascinating . . . but sometimes hazardous to their health. A home, otherwise welcoming and safe, is packed with potential accidents for infants and young kids. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that 2.5 million children each year are injured or killed by hazards in homes.
So many of these accidents don't have to happen. Simple measures and safety devices can make a home play-friendly and baby-safe. New parents and "returning parents" (grandparents) should give child-proofing the house the same importance as diapers and doctors' appointments. Plenty of help is available.
The CPSC offers a free brochure explaining 12 inexpensive child safety devices to childproof your home "at a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it." In addition to using these devices (listed later), here are actions to take right now:
Lock away or place inaccessibly any prized possessions, objects that can cut or choke, and potentially poisonous materials. Do this in living areas, kitchen, bath, laundry, and garage.
Eliminate or tape down loose rugs and electrical cords that could cause falls.
Set water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees.
Inspect outdoor areas: decks, porches, pools. You may need gates, fencing, or screens over wide railings.
Post emergency numbers, in addition to 911, at every phone. Include numbers for neighbors, physician, poison control center, and family.
The colorful illustrated brochure "Childproofing Your Home" (document 252) is available by calling 1-800-638-2772 or online at www.cpsc.gov (choose Consumer Safety and then CPSC Publications). The brochure discusses installation, use, and shopping and price for these important safeguards:
- safety latches and locks
- safety gates
- door knob covers and door locks
- anti-scale devices for faucets and showerheads
- smoke detectors
- window guards and safety netting
- corner and edge bumpers for furniture
- outlet covers and outlet plates
- carbon monoxide detectors
- safety tassels and inner cord stops for window blinds
- door stops and door holders
- cordless phone