Child safety checklist: how to get your house ready

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by: bythesea
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Word Count: 403
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 Time: 11:35 PM
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Preparing your house for the time that your child first starts to crawl or walk should be an extensive process; don't assume that putting up a stair gate and moving a few choice valuables out of reach is enough - although on that note, it is worth double checking that you have adequate home insurance as there are bound to be some accidents with breakables along the way!

That's not to say that stair gates aren't important though. With so many different options on the market, you need to make absolutely sure that you're buying the right one for your needs. Measure up carefully before choosing your gate; while many of them are adjustable they don't necessarily fit all widths of stairway.

Also consider the differences between the different types of fastening that are available: ‘wall cup' versions offer an easier solution as they don't need to be permanently fixed to the wall, whereas the alternative wall fixed gates take a little more setting up but are that little but more secure for it.

Open fires are another obvious risk to curious youngsters, so buy yourself a reliable guard to sit in front of your fireplace. Not all guards are designed with child safety in mind, however, so be sure to do your research before picking one up.

Other important measures include making sure that all hazardous cleaning products and medicines are kept either high up out of reach of little hands or secured away in a locked cupboard. Also make sure that all sharp kitchen implements are similarly unobtainable by your child.

Electrical appliances are also a danger, so make sure that your little one can't reach them. Spare sockets should be covered with safety plug protectors at all times. It's also an idea to get down on all fours and wander around your home to find any sharp corners on tables or other furniture that could pose a risk once your child is up and running about. Rounded corner protectors are readily available for a reasonable price so buy some and cover up any potential problems.

Also ensure that any windows within your child's reach are locked securely; if any of them don't lock properly then get them seen to by a professional as soon as you can. If you're advised that to replace rather than repair them, then do it - you can't put a price on your child's safety.

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Visit http://www.churchill.com to find out more about home insurance.