Having a child can’t be too hard if you supervise them, right? Well, watching children and ensuring that they are safe is easier said than done. Once your baby starts crawling, walking, then curiously exploring every bit of the house, they will need constant surveillance. Naturally, children are considered to be bundles of energy and will always be looking for ways to keep themselves busy. It’s no surprise that a child will try to look experiment with utensils, tools, and explore every part of your home.
Because of this reason, parents will need to make sure that their home is safe and conducive to the development of children. However, this is easier said than done since almost every aspect of your home will need to be considered for this to happen. So what are some factors that you’ll need to weigh-in on? What are some tips for keeping children and toddlers safe as they explore?
The Abilities of Children
Firstly, we have to discern what children can do at an early age. If you’re going to ensure that your home is secure for children, you’ll need to see a pattern in their movement. Normally, children at the age of one to three years of age will usually be able to do necessary movement capabilities.
Most medical experts that specialize in children’s development would say that toddlers within this age group can now do the following activities:
- Independently feed themselves without spilling much of their food.
- They can already balance themselves and walk without tripping.
- Run around, pivot their body, and walk backward.
- Climb up a flight of stairs and walk back down carefully.
- Pedaling a stationary bike and cycling using a bike with training wheels.
- Dress up with the help of an adult.
When most of these children have a reasonable degree of independence, they’ll explore different areas of the house, which can sometimes place them in harm’s way if potential hazards are not addressed. For instance, a child might play with a fork and stick it into objects like electrical outlets, which can cause serious injuries, and in more extreme cases, death.
So what are some things that you can do, and what are some other factors to consider?
Store Away Objects and Lock Them Up
Most children are curious and will usually reach out to tiny objects. Sometimes, these objects can be choking hazards. If this is the case, you might want to remove tiny objects that are placed on tables and counters that are within their reach. This includes power switches, sharp cooking utensils, and chemicals that are potentially dangerous to the health of children.
You might want to store these items away in cabinets that are well-away from the reach of children. Some parents will usually use locks and strong latches if this gets the attention of children most of the time.
Considering The Elements and Installing Safety Railings
It’s important to remember that whatever you might be renovating in your home shouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of your house. If you’re living in an area that might be in the path of typhoons, hailstorms, and strong winds, you might want to consider reinforcing your home’s roof, entryways, and drainage system.
Most of the time, roofing systems are vulnerable to hailstorms, which can cause leaks. Metal roofing and protecting your windows and gutter systems with metal plates can reduce damage from these natural elements. Fortunately, there are custom metal fabrication services that can help manufacture a variety of different metal materials, including ornamental railings for the safety of your child and structural support for your home. A part of keeping you and your family safe from danger is by ensuring that they’re all safe from the forces of nature.
Addressing Hazards
Lastly, you’ll need to address some of the hazards at home. Some stores will usually sell corner bumpers that you can place on the edge of cabinets, drawers, and tables so that this will cushion impacts and prevent toddlers from getting head bumps and concussions. Still, you’ll need to ensure that furniture does not budge when children are playing with them.
You’ll also need to start installing covers on electrical outlets as a means of decreasing the likelihood of electrocution. You’ll need to firmly have these outlets in place so that toddlers won’t easily remove them.
There are a variety of ways to keep your child safe while they are exploring your home. Although renovating almost every aspect of your home might be a daunting task, you can always observe your child’s behavior first and know what type of activities they do more often. You can also have an honest discussion with your child regarding hazards and safety. After all, safety and prevention should always be your priority when making your home conducive to the needs of the family and your child’s development.
