How-to Create a Safe Environment

Young children are explorers and get into everything they can reach. In order for your home to be a safe haven for them, there are numerous steps you needs to take. As my husband and I go through the process of ensuring the safety of all the children that enter our home, I will share with you our top picks for safety features. You can find all the items we use at Target in the baby and toddler section.

Number 1. Outlets ~ Every outlet in our home is equipped with plug cover , whether it be floor level or above a counter. There are multiple kinds of cover available, but we went with the cheapest and most familiar one to us. While not easy to remove from the plug when you need to use it, it makes sense that it would be even more difficult for a child to remove which gives more peace-of-mind.

Number 2. Medicine and Cleaning Supplies ~ All materials that are toxic and could seriously injure a child should be locked away. All our medics and toxic cleaning agents are kept in a keyed-entry closet. The rest of the cleaning supplies are under the kitchen sink with double child-proof locks - the push-to-open latch and the clicking 2 part lock.

Number 3. Cabinets and Drawers ~ If you have a hutch with breakable dishes in the cabinets that children can reach, you can install push-to-open latches on them as well as your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers. Not only do the latches prevent broken dishes but it keeps you from having to clean up pots and pans, etc. that the children pull out throughout the day. It is also a good idea to store your plastic bags behind a safety lock to protect your children from playing with them.

Number 4. Appliances and Cutting Objects ~ Appliance locks have adhesive backings to attach to everything from your refrigerator to your washing machine pedastool drawers. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator you can also lock it with a zip-type lock that click to latch. Knives and scissors can be stored in a keyed-entry cabinet or you can use a magnetic-entry lock, but just the push-to-open latch isn't enough to ensure older children can't hurt themselves on the sharp items in your home.

Number 5. Toilets and Trash Canisters ~ Keep all the trash canisters in your home covered or in a latched cabinet. This keeps the children from playing with trash and away from plastic bags. You can use appliance locks to lock the lids into place if you want extra safety. Toilets are a favorite spot for small children to through objects. Keep the lid down at all times, when not in use, will help keep the objects out and children from falling in. They make special latches specifically for the purpose of keep the lid locked down.

Number 6. Yard and Window Wells ~ If you have a basement it is important to install window well covers on all the wells the children have access to. Be sure the covers can be pushed up from the underside if the windows are means for a fire escape. Keeping your yard free of trash and tools that children can hurt themselves with is important. Keep all sheds and storage areas locked. A fenced yard will provide bounties for children to play within.

Number 7. Vehicles ~ The best way to insure the safety of your children while in a vehicle is to have a proper carseat installed and the child buckled in before you get the vehicle moving. If you have child-safety locks on your car doors be sure to engage them.

Number 8. Doorways and Stairs ~ Safety gates can be bought as low as $10.99 at Target and they are very helpful in creating boundaries in your home. If there are rooms that children shouldn't enter keeping agate in the door way can be easier than keeping the door closed all the time. A gate for the top and bottom of each staircase keeps children that can't walk safely on their own from trying to navigate the stairs.

Number 9. Corners ~ Many a bump and bruise can be prevented from children falling into them with padded corners and edges on table corners and other furniture with sharp edges. Adhesive attaches these bumpers so be careful not to ruin the furniture finish when removing.

Number 10. Water Temperature and Heaters ~ A safe heat level to keep the children in your home from scalding themselves with hot water, is 120 degrees F or level B on your water heater. If you have a fireplace keep it screened off from children being able to touch it. Heaters that turn off when knocked over and that keep a cool exterior are the safest to use with small children but keeping them out of reach is the best precaution.