Childproof Your New Home

Making a detailed safety checklist is the first step to childproof your new home. Walk through each room and identifying potential hazards. Look for electrical outlets, sharp corners, small objects, loose cords, and furniture that could tip over. Make a note of these items as you go. Listing these hazards allows you to address each one methodically, reducing the chance of overlooking anything important. This organized approach will help you to stay focused and thorough, ensuring that your home is a safe place for your children. Regularly update this checklist as new potential hazards arise.

Years and years ago, there used to be bubblegum machines in grocery stores.  There would be up to three ball shaped vending machines on a single stand.  You see them only rarely now.  Why? Because a few children pulled the stands over on themselves and seriously injured themselves.  The machines suddenly disappeared from the grocery stores.  I think it made parents everywhere more aware of how much damage a heavy piece of furniture can do to a small child!

Heavy furniture and appliances can tip over if a child tries to climb them. Anchor these items to the wall to prevent such accidents. Use furniture straps or brackets in the rear to secure heavy items like bookshelves, dressers, and televisions to the wall. Regularly check these anchors to ensure they remain secure over time. Taking these precautions can prevent potentially serious injuries and provide a safer environment for your children.

Hopefully before you bought your new home, you did a home inspection.  Did your inspector tell you whether your stove had an anti tip device?  This is a simple bracket which secures the stove to the wall so that your child cannot open the door to the oven, stand on it to get something on the stove and tip the entire stove over.   If you aren’t sure if you have an anti-tip device, just try to tip your stove forward.  If it tips more than an inch, you need to secure it!

Never underestimate how creative your child will be and how much chaos he or she can create.

Safety gates are essential for blocking dangerous areas such as staircases and kitchens. Select gates that are sturdy and easy to install but difficult for children to open. Install gates at both the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls. Use gates to restrict access to hazardous areas like the kitchen, where hot surfaces and sharp objects are common. Ensure that gates are securely fastened and cannot be easily dislodged by a determined toddler.  You might think that your sweet baby will never be big enough to need a safety gate – but think again!  That little munchkin will need a safety gate faster than you could possibly imagine!

Electrical outlets are a significant risk for curious toddlers. To prevent accidental shocks or burns, use outlet covers or safety plugs. These simple devices make it difficult for little fingers to access electrical sockets. Choose covers that are easy for adults to remove but challenging for children. Additionally, consider installing tamper-resistant outlets, which automatically block foreign objects. Keeping electrical cords out of reach or securely attached to walls minimizes the risk of accidents.

Cabinets and drawers often contain dangerous items like cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects. Use childproof locks to keep these items out of reach. Install locks on all cabinets and drawers within your child’s reach. Magnetic locks are an excellent option for a more secure solution, as they are difficult for children to figure out. Store hazardous materials in high, locked cabinets whenever possible to add an extra layer of safety.

The reverse of keeping dangerous items safe in the cabinets and drawers is to ensure that your toddler doesn’t shut himself or herself into an unsafe place.  Make sure that refrigerators and freezers can’t be opened and that any other place you don’t want your toddler to hide in is protected with a high lock.   Toddlers even crawl into dryers!

When you do your safety check to childproof your new home, pay close attention to the windows.  Windows pose a fall risk, especially in multi-story homes. Install window guards or stops to prevent windows from opening wide enough for a child to fall through. Use window guards or stops on all accessible windows to enhance safety. Avoid placing furniture near windows, as children might climb on it to reach the window. Also, window blinds should not have long cords, as they can pose a strangulation risk. Choose cordless blinds or cord shorteners to keep cords out of reach.  If you are renting in Montgomery County, you should have received notice that your landlord is REQUIRED to install window guards on any windows that can be opened if your apartment is above ground level.  You can ask for window guards for any reason and you do not have to pay for them.

Create a specific area in your home that you know is safe for your children to play that is close to where you will be spending much of your time.    This area should be hazard-free and equipped with age-appropriate toys and safety gear. Choose a room or section of a room as a play area, ensuring it is away from potential dangers. Use soft mats or carpets to cushion falls and prevent injuries. Regularly inspect the play area for small objects that could pose choking hazards and remove them promptly.  As they get older, you will be able to let them play there without your constant supervision because you know that the space is safe.

Prioritize outdoor safety to protect your kids—secure pools with fences and lockable gates. Always supervise your child near water. Cover or remove ponds to prevent accidents. For instance, use sturdy covers that can hold weight. Similarly, lock sheds and garages to keep tools and chemicals out of reach. Secure playground equipment to avoid tipping over. Therefore, the anchor swings and slides properly. Check for sharp edges or loose parts regularly. In addition, use child-safe plants in your garden. Avoid toxic varieties like oleander. Install gates at outdoor stairs. Likewise, ensure all outdoor lighting is adequate for visibility.

Any effort to childproof your new home is an ongoing process that requires regular checks and updates. Before you move in, do a final walkthrough to confirm all safety measures are in place. When you childproof your new home, you can move in with peace of mind, knowing your children are safe. This preparation ensures a smooth transition and provides a secure environment where your family can thrive. Regularly reassess your safety measures and stay informed about new childproofing products and techniques to maintain a safe home environment.

Now that you know how to child proof your new home, you probably need help finding the perfect new home.  To do that, just give the Lise Howe Group a call at 240-401-5577 if you are relocating to the DC area.  Whether you are looking for a luxury Bethesda condo or a single family home in DC – a high rise condo at the Willoughby or a garden style home at Sumner Village – an estate in Potomac or a farm in Middleburg – we can help you find that dream home!