Whether you’re moving into a new house or simply want to upgrade your decor while keeping it kid-proof, we have a few great options for you. The items on this list are a few of our favorites because they’re not only kid-proof, but you’ll also love their design.
Safety Latches
Consider a few safety latches if you’re tired of chasing around a little one as they climb in and out of the cabinets. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends safety latches and locks on all cabinets and drawers that hold products like medications, detergents, matches, or cleaners. The good news is that you’ll find a lot of safety latch options available, so you can easily choose one that works with your cabinets.
Safety Curtains
Many parents overlook the risks of curtains. Blinds often have long strings hanging down that can be a danger to smaller children. Curtains draped on traditional rods can fall if a child pulls hard enough. Traditional curtain rods can also sometimes be difficult for older kids to use, especially when using blinds that get stuck. Curtain tracks are an ideal solution that is installed directly into the ceiling and use swivel hooks that easily slide.
Don’t forget about safe shower curtains. Traditional curtains held up by a single shower hook can easily pull down if a child grabs hold of it while in the bathtub. A shower curtain track set is installed into the ceiling for a more secure fit.
Electrical Outlet Covers
Covering electrical outlets isn’t just for toddlers. Younger children may get curious and put things near or in the electrical outlets. This is an easy fix since electrical covers are cheap and easy to install, so they’ll fit in with even the most frugal lifestyles. There are also different outlet cover types, including sliding covers, box covers, and plugs, meaning they’ll easily fit any outlet type you have in your home.
Furniture Anchors
Some furniture is prone to tipping or falling, like dressers or bookshelves. Unsecured furniture can still pose a risk for older children if they run through the house and play a lot. Some kids may also try to climb the TV stand to reach a remote or something up top, which can be dangerous without it being secured. Some furniture comes with security anchors that easily drill into the wall. Even if your furniture doesn’t, you can usually buy external anchors. TV anchors are also a good idea.
Corner Guards
Corner guards minimize the impact of furniture corners if your toddler runs into them. Most corner guards are made with durable materials that are shock and bite-proof. They often have an adhesive backing that easily sticks to your furniture. Ensure you go with good-quality corner guards to avoid damaging your furniture when you’re ready to remove them.
Lever Handle Locks
Lever handle locks keep kids out of certain rooms. As toddlers get a little bit bigger, they quickly learn how to pull or twist the door handle, making it difficult to keep them out of certain rooms. A lever door handle is probably the easiest door handle type for a child to learn how to open. A lever handle lock works by holding the handle central and requiring that you push a button to open the door.
Safety Gates
You can never have too many safety gates in the home. Safety gates are useful for blocking off any room that isn’t safe for children. You can also use safety gates for temporary situations, like when you’re painting a room or making other renovations. Other useful purposes of safety gates include near stairs, exterior doors, or bathrooms.
Window Locks
Window locks are also a great safety product as your child begins to walk and climb. Screens do little to keep children indoors. Make sure all windows within the climbing height of your child have locks. It can also be helpful to avoid putting furniture near windows since this allows them to climb higher and crawl through.
Your home’s safety needs and products may change as your child gets older. With a newborn, for example, you’ll mostly be worried about safe products in the home and maintaining a hazard-free crib. As a baby begins crawling, you’ll need to do things like cover electrical outlets and lock cabinets. Toddlers are even more mobile, making latching windows and installing safe curtain solutions important. The risks don’t stop as a child becomes more autonomous. Older children are more likely to run through the home and climb on the furniture, making it important to keep safety in mind always.
