8 Must-Have Home Safety Tools for Your Toddler

When you have a toddler at home, you know that even the most ordinary objects and situations can suddenly become safety hazards. Your cupboards, stairs and even windows can be dangerous for your little one if you don’t take proper precautions and use the right equipment. Of course, the specific precautions you take will depend on the layout of your home and what dangers you have. For example, if your microwave is out of reach, it’s not a worry. But, if your toddler can reach it, you may need to use a safety strap so she can’t pinch her fingers in the door. However, there are some pieces of equipment every home with a toddler should have. Whether your child is already on the move and exploring their surroundings or has just come home from the hospital, use this list to make sure your home is safe. Outlet Covers To a curious toddler, an electrical outlet looks like the perfect place to push scissors, pens or toys. The tiny holes are just small enough for a child’s fingers and most homes have outlets near the ground, right at a toddler’s eye level. The best way to prevent electrocution is to use outlet covers. These plastic covers are inserted into the outlet and cover the holes, making it hard for your toddler to access them. Keep in mind though that older toddlers may be able to pull the covers off, so always supervise your child and teach them not to touch outlets.

Cupboard and Drawer Locks Keeping your toddler out of cupboards and drawers can help you keep your home clean and avoid a mess, but it can also help you avoid accidents. Things like sharp utensils, scissors, dangerous chemicals and other items that could harm your toddler are often kept in cupboards and drawers, and while they may seem safe there, they aren’t. Use cupboard and drawer locks to keep your little one safe and move cleaning chemicals and other dangerous items to higher areas that are out of your child’s reach. Doorknob Covers and Window Locks As your toddler starts to walk and explore your home, the doorknob is right at his height. He also knows that outside that door there’s a whole world to explore and he might try to wander off if he can open the door. Prevent this by using a doorknob cover that allows adults to open the door, but that children can’t manipulate. Windows are also very dangerous as toddlers can easily fall through them, even if they have screens. You can use window locks to prevent your toddler from opening them and special guards that protect your child even when the window is open. It’s also a good idea to move furniture away from windows so your toddler can’t climb up and fall out. High Chair A high chair may not seem like a piece of safety equipment, but it goes a long way in keeping your toddler safe. Small children can easily fall off chairs onto a hard, tiled kitchen floor. Some toddlers also have a tendency to stand on kitchen chairs in order to see and reach things, which is dangerous. But, when you let yours sit in a high chair they’ll have their own tray that they can reach and will feel like they’re part of the group. Falls can be extremely dangerous, especially if your toddler hits their head, so using a high chair is one of the best ways to prevent serious injury. Car Seat A car seat is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can have. It is never safe to travel with your child without a car seat. There are different models of seats for different age groups, so be sure to choose the right model for your child. For most young children, you will need to put the seat in your car so it is facing backwards. Read the instructions that come with your car seat to make sure you install it correctly and use it the right way. When your child outgrows the seat, replace it with an age-appropriate model.

Safety Gate A safety gate will keep your child safe from falling down stairs or wandering outside and can even be used to keep your child in a safe room where they can’t get into trouble. There are tension gates and gates that are installed directly on your wall, so choose the best model for your situation. Also keep in mind that u-frame gates and gates that open outward, away from you, should not be used over stairs.

Corner Protectors Corners on coffee tables, end tables, entertainment centres and other pieces of furniture are right at your toddler’s height and can be a major hazard. If your child trips and falls near the corner, they could seriously injure their head or eye. You can use soft, rubber corner protectors that soften these sharp edges to make them a little safer for your toddler. The corner can still be dangerous, but the protector will soften the blow and could prevent cuts. Non-Slip Bath Mats Bath time can be dangerous, so always supervise your child when they are in the tub. One way you can make the bathroom safer is to use non-slip bath mats in the tub and plenty of rugs on the floor in the bathroom. These mats will help prevent your toddler from slipping when they are standing in the tub or getting in and out. Rugs will prevent slips on wet tile floor. Toilet Lock This is one danger many parents don’t think about, but the toilet can actually be very dangerous for toddlers who lean over them, fall in head first and then can’t get out. There is a risk of drowning, and if your toddler hits their head on the porcelain, she

could even black out. When your toddler is old enough to lift the toilet lid, use a lock to make sure they can’t fall in. When you have a toddler at home, it is absolutely essential that you are aware of safety hazards and do all you can to protect your child. Start with this list and then assess your home for other safety problems and remove them or find ways to protect your child from them.