Make Your Home A Danger-Free Zone

By Lisa Lombardi

One-year-old Ella Dundas is on the move -- to the delight and dismay of her parents. "My husband and I worry that we haven't babyproofed enough," admits Ella's mom, Amanda. "We don't know where to start! I think we need to move so we can just start from scratch!" Sound familiar? Even if you've purchased half the babyproofing aisle at Babies R Us, you may still panic that you're not doing everything needed to protect your little one. Rest assured, you're already in better shape than you think. By keeping a keen eye on your child, you're doing "the single most important thing you can do, rather than attempting to detect every possible danger," says Kerrie Laguna, PhD, an expert in child development at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. But it's still essential to make your home as danger-free as possible. Here's how:

Get down on her level
It may feel weird, but literally crawl around on the floor to spot potential hazards. "You will see all types of temptations, especially hanging cords that babies pull on, bringing down heavy objects like lamps, irons, etc.," Laguna warns.

Plug up all outlets
Even ones blocked by furniture, because small bodies can wriggle into tiny spaces. While the best outlet covers are the ones that screw on over your old plate rather than stop up the holes, you can even get crafty and make your own. Daisy Chan, whose son Ethan is now fourteen months old, covers hers with packing tape. She also tapes the cable and phone wires to the wall along the edge of the floor, because loose wires pose strangulation and electrocution dangers.

Lock up your vitamins
All medicines, supplements, toiletries, household cleaning products and other potentially-poisonous substances should be locked up in cabinets well out of your child's reach, says Denise Dowd, MD, section chief of Injury Prevention at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.

End bathtime worries
To prevent scalding, make sure the water coming from your tap is no greater than 120 degrees, says Dowd. You can measure it with a candy thermometer. If it's too hot, have your plumber adjust it. Also crucial: a non-skid rubber safety mat that extends the length of your tub, to prevent falls.

Use gates to block stairs and other dangers
"Avoid the gates that pinch when folded," recommends Laguna. And make sure gates used on the top of stairs are designed specifically for that purpose. Also, consider keeping a playpen handy for emergency containment. "Most experts don't advocate too much restriction of movement, as in play pens," notes Laguna. "But there are times when a Pack 'n Play is appropriate -- like when you're taking hot food out of the oven."

Guard windows
Window guards can prevent your child from falling out a window.  But the guards must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency, according to the National Safety Council. So before purchasing and installing these safety devices, consult your local fire department for guidelines. And in general, never place a crib, dresser or chair near a window: It can be used as a stepladder.

Don't be blinded
Make sure drapery and blind cords are out of the baby's reach from the crib and changing table, says Dowd. Blinds purchased before 2001 are a strangulation hazard. Your best bet? Play it safe by using cord-containing safety devices for all blinds.

Cook with caution
Use the back burners and make sure pot handles are pointing inward so your child cannot reach up and grab them, says Dowd. "On counters, keep sharp utensils a foot back from the edge," adds Laguna. "Around age two to three, toddlers love to reach up on counters."

Ditch dangerous plants
Toxic ones include hyacinth, oleander, and elephant's ear. If you're in doubt about your houseplants, check in with your pediatrician.

Beware pet food
Dry dog and cat food can look surprisingly tasty to a toddler. Since they can be choking hazards, it's essential to keep pet chow locked away. One tactic that works for Amanda and Patrick Dundas: They feed their pooch after Ella's asleep, so there are no tempting morsels within her reach. You won't hear the dog complaining!

Quick tip
Watch for choke-ables. Anything that can fit into a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard.

Lisa Lombardi is an editor, writer, and mom in New York City.

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