Growing

Here’s a handy checklist to keep in mind when you’re thinking about baby-proofing.

• Prevent furniture accidents by fastening shelves and chests to the wall with L-shaped brackets
• Purchase and install electrical outlet covers
• Wind up electrical cords for small appliances and lamps to prevent accidents
• Install drawer and cabinet latches to keep a roving tot away from knives, chemicals and detergents
• Stay within arm’s reach of your child when she’s in a sink, tub or pool
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• Move medicines and mouthwash to out-of-reach shelves
• Disarm and store firearms in a child-resistant lockbox
• Install window guards or screws to prevent nursery windows from raising more than a few inches
• Cut the loops from blinds and Roman shades and wrap around cord holders
• Shield banisters and deck railings with netting to prevent falling through
• Turn the water heater down to 120 degrees to prevent accidental scalding
• Remove reachable oven knobs and turn handles of pots to the rear when cooking
• Install toddler-resistant latches for the refrigerator and toilets
• Store gasoline, chemicals and sharp tools in a locked garage cabinet
• Keep toddlers well away from the lawnmower when pouring gasoline or mowing
• In the car, get a wide-angle rearview mirror attachment so you can glance at what’s going on in the backseat as you drive
Sandy and Marcie Jones are the authors of Great Expectations: Baby’s First Year. Order your copy from Barnes & Noble.

An article from the HUGGIES® Brand

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