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Be careful in
summer. More hours spent at home mean that there is more opportunity for
injury. There are numerous products on the market that are intended to help
new parents make their homes safer for little ones.
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Plug covers
stop up outlets that are not in use, preventing little ones from sticking
inquisitive fingers into the holes, preventing electrocution.
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Sturdy baby
gates keep small children out of spaces you don't want them to be, whether
it be your formal living room, or staircases. Note: some baby gates state
specifically that they are not for use at the top or bottom of staircases.
Be sure to get one that is acceptable for that use, if you're planning on
installing it there.
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Be mindful of
the spaces in between your stair banisters. Can a child fit through them,
and fall?
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Cord winders
pick up excess slack in mini blind cords, which children have been known to
strangle on.
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Toilet locks
enable toilet lids to be lifted up with the flip of a latch for adults and
older children, but keep toddlers out. People can drown in any standing
water more than an inch deep, toilets included.
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Drawer and
cupboard locks keep small children out of bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
However, you don't want your cleaning solvents or other poisons stored in
low cupboards on the day they decide to figure out how to open them, so
store them elsewhere.
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Finger pinch
guards wrap around the edges of your doors, acting like a bumper, so that
tots cannot slam doors on their tiny fingers.
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Doorknob
covers are large plastic covers, which spin freely, unless you have a big
enough grip and the hand strength to open them. They're great for any
doorknob leading to the outside.
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Patio door
locks are essential if your toddler can slide the screen or glass patio door
open and escape.
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Many toddlers
are escape artists-terrifying for parents who turn around for one second and
find that their child isn't anywhere in the house.
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Make sure play
areas are fenced in, and that gates are latched with padlocks or a catch
that is too high up for a small child to open.
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Other latches
are available for refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers-all airtight
appliances where a child can suffocate in minutes.
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Make sure your
water heater has been adjusted to prevent scalding by children who are
curious about water faucets.
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Remove all
electrical appliances in range of the bathtub or any other standing water.
Unplug all those that you don't remove.
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Little
children love dials and buttons-just like those on the toaster oven and
microwave. Unplug them when not in use to prevent fire or electrocution.
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Different cord
winders are also available for standard electrical cords, keeping them out
of the way so that toddlers cannot become entangled in them or trip over
them.
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The beauty of
many of these items is that they are incredibly inexpensive! Most cost under
$3, with the exception of baby gates, which average around $30. Nonetheless,
it's much cheaper than even one co-payment to the doctor's officer or
emergency room.
- Please also read Electrical Safety
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