Safe Kids: Safety Proof Your Home

Aired on Lifetime Television
July 13 and August 31, 2008
Show 515

Our instinct as parents is to protect our kids from the dangers of the outside world. But how safe is your home? Be sure your curious little baby or toddler is protected inside, too. View the house from your child's perspective to find hidden temptations or hazardous items within reach. Long or frayed electrical cords can attract curious little hands, and tiny fingers can fit easily into open electrical sockets, so check your cords often and keep those outlets covered. Vacuums don't suck up everything -- loose pins or small coins can still be buried in the carpet. If your child is learning to stand up on his own, he'll probably use the furniture to help him keep his balance. Anchor taller furniture to the wall, and make sure to place heavier items on the bottom shelf. For your little one, the window sill can be like a mountaintop, waiting to be conquered so they can look out over the outside world. Every year, thousands of children tumble out of open windows and many get hurt. Window cords also present strangulation or choking hazards, so retrofit cords with cord stops or putting them out of reach of children. Since you have more control here and your child spends most of their time here, you can make this the safest place for them to be. With you.