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Looking for a new home is one of the most exciting times of family life. For those with a toddler, here are some things to consider when choosing a residence.
Looking for a new home where couples will raise their children is one of the most exciting times of family life. However, for those with a toddler in tow, there are certain things that you should look for in a new residence to ensure their safety.
Parents should always keep an eye on their toddlers, but that is easier said than done. Here is a quick list of what to look for when choosing a home so that no harm will befall your child if he or she escapes your attention for a moment.
Safe Location
The first thing to check when looking at possible homes is if they are in a safe location. If the preference is a house, is the main door too close to the road? If a condo, do the hallways open to places where a toddler may fall? Does the subdivision or building have CCTV cameras for the safety of the residents?
Choosing a home in a safe location takes care of the external factors, so families may focus on keeping the inside safe for their children.
Secure Door Locks
The doors of the home should all close properly, with secure locks to keep toddlers out of places and rooms where they should not enter unsupervised, such as the bathroom or closets with unsafe objects.
Conversely, some parents may want to have doors that do not close all the way or are slow to do so. This is to prevent toddlers from opening and closing doors, which may lead to their fingers accidentally being caught in the spaces.
Spots for Toddler Gates
Parents are not always fast enough to catch up to running toddlers, so when choosing a home, they should be on the lookout for spots that may be fitted with toddler gates.
Similar to closed doors, toddler gates keep children within specific areas of the home. However, unlike doors, they allow parents to see where their kids are, even if they are far away and behind the toddler gates.
Installed Window Guards
Some toddlers are climbers, so windows should not only have screens but also steel window guards to prevent them from climbing out. The space between the window guards should be small enough to stop children from sticking their head out.
Windows may be refitted to open from the top, to make it harder for toddlers to reach. Furniture should also be kept away from windows so that they will not serve as footholds for climbing children.
Bolted Down Furniture and Mounted Appliances
In addition to climbing, some toddlers love running around, possibly bumping into other people and things. Furniture and appliances, such as cabinets and TVs, should be bolted down or mounted so that they will not fall and injure children.
If the home being considered is already furnished, parents should check if the furniture and appliances are secured. If they are not, or if the
Hidden or Elevated Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets should either be elevated so that toddlers will not be able to poke them. If the outlets are already placed in lower areas around the house, parents may want to keep them hidden behind furniture and appliances.
Alternatively, parents may purchase electrical outlet covers, especially for those that they will regularly use. This will give them easy access to the outlets, but without endangering their children as the holes will be covered after use.
Fragile Items Out of Reach
In general, fragile items should be out of the reach of children. If a home comes with a full-length mirror, it should be elevated or taken away entirely. Glass coffee tables and cabinets with breakable items should also be kept away from toddlers.
It only takes a second for a toddler to reach out or fall, not just destroying the fragile object but also possibly suffering injuries. The furniture may look nice, but parents should always think about the safety of their children and keep breakable objects out of their reach.
Safety First!
Household injuries remain one of the top reasons for parents taking their toddlers to the emergency room. However, by following these tips when choosing a new home, you will be able to prevent your children from suffering serious injuries and create a safe environment where they can learn to love and grow.
Sources: Family Doctor, Parents, Raising Children, Kaiser Permanente, Web MD
Read our previous feature for more tips and advice.
