Each year, approximately 2.5 million children are killed or injured because of common dangers found in their homes, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These common dangers include burns, drowning, poisoning, choking and falls.
Gates
Place gates in doorways to prevent access to rooms that are not completely baby-proofed. Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs to protect your baby from unnecessary falls. Babycenter.com recommends installing gates with screws instead of using pressure-mounted gates, as they are much more secure. Buy new gates with the straight-slat design instead of the accordion-style. Check the gate packaging for a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
Covers, Latches & Locks
Covers placed over electrical outlets, televisions, stereos, DVD players and stove controls keep your baby's hands from having access to these potential dangers. Install cushioned covers over sharp edges on tables and fireplaces to protect your baby from bumps and bruises. Attach a spout cover to your tub to protect your baby from bumping her head. Latches and locks for drawers, cabinets and toilets prevent your baby from opening these items and accessing dangerous items such as knives, medications and cleaning chemicals. Cover doorknobs with childproof covers to prevent your baby from opening doors to rooms containing items that could harm her.
Choking Hazards
Keep small objects out of your baby's reach by checking shelves, tables or anything at your baby's level. If an object fits through a toilet-paper roll, it is considered a choking hazard, according to Dr. Robert Needlman, Vice President of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at The Dr. Spock Company. Crawl around your home at your baby's level to search for small items that could pose a choking hazard. Place items higher up that normally sit at baby's level including dog food and toilet caps, usually found around the toilet's base.
