There are a few more areas to consider when making your home "safer" for your child. About.com gives us these examples:
- Vases, Decorative Glassware. Many knick-knacks in our homes pose potential danger. Small parts can break off, and cause choking hazards. Solution-Remove all unnecessary decorative pieces. It will save yourself a headache, and keep your children safe.
- Tables. Many tables have sharp edges. Coffee tables are especially dangerous because they use these low tables to help them "cruise" around, and balance themselves. Solution: Install table cushions, or corner protection pieces that are available at most baby stores.
- Stairs. What to do except install gates and banister screens. Climbing stairs is an exciting part of their growth and development, but can be very dangerous.
I tried to play the role of "my child will just learn not to touch things he's not suppose to," but that didn't last long. I soon found it saved myself, and him when I removed most items that were causing sticky fingers.
Oh my yes! Things don't get any less scary when you are lucky enough to become a grandparent! I never had a fireplace when my daughter was younger.
We have had two grandaughters go through their toddler years in our house with a huge stone hearth. My heart just about stopped many times when the youngest used to fly at the hearth at high speed shrieking with delight! I failed to see the attraction & kept trying to cover it with quilts to cushion the edges!
Now the youngest is able to open all our doors, including the storm door which has a tricky lock. Scares the daylights out of me thinking of her getting out near the road!
Posted by: Cheryl Hart | August 11, 2006 8:15 PM | Permalink to Comment