Home is usually considered a safe location, so parents may overlook potential dangers. A curious toddler often finds unsecured risks within the home, which might cause burns, drowning, poisoning, choking, falls and other injuries. Taking steps to childproof your home before your toddler finds danger decreases the risk of serious injury. The potential dangers vary from home to home so a thorough analysis of the environment helps identify the largest threats to your toddler's safety.
Step 1
Walk around your home making a list of potential hazards for your toddler. Get down at your toddler's level to identify things that might attract her attention, such as a lamp cord, fireplace tools, bookshelves or electronics.
Step 2
Anchor bookshelves, entertainment centers, dressers and other movable furniture pieces to the wall. This prevents your toddler from tipping the unit on top of himself if he climbs on it.
Step 3
Install child safety locks on cabinet doors and drawers that are low enough for your toddler to reach.
Step 4
Lock up cleaners, medications and other potentially hazardous materials in the home. Place knives, scissors, breakable items and other potentially dangerous items out of your toddler's reach.
Step 5
Cover sharp corners with specialty bumpers. Cover electrical outlets, stove controls and other gadgets that present a danger to your toddler.
Step 6
Secure windows using safety bars or stops that prevent the window from opening more than a few inches. Cut cords on blinds or secure them out of reach of your toddler to prevent strangulation.
Step 7
Adjust the water heater to a maximum temperature of 120 degrees F to prevent accidental scalding. Place anti-slip decals into the bathtub to prevent falls. Fill the tub before your toddler gets in and never leave her alone in the bathtub.
Step 8
Replace glass or ceramic items, such as cups, soap dispensers and soap dishes, with plastic versions to prevent cuts from broken pieces.
Step 9
Test all smoke detectors at least once a month. Keep a fire extinguisher on every level of the house. Install a carbon monoxide detector on all levels of the home.
