14 Ways to Make Your Home More Kid Friendly

Last Updated on December 15, 2011

Statistics have shown that most accidents really do happen at home. Whether you have small children of your own or you have children visit, you should take steps to keep little ones safe.

Below are a few simple things that you can do to make your home safe for kids.

1. In Case of Emergency

Emergency phone numbers should be written down and posted in an obvious place, preferably by the phone. All children in the home should be taught when and how to use any of these numbers.

2. Practice Fire Safety

If you don’t have working smoke detectors near every bedroom, get them now and test them every month. Also, consider placing a fire extinguisher in your kitchen to help stop fires before they spread. Like smoke detectors, though, you should check the fire extinguisher’s gauge every month, since an ineffective fire extinguisher is basically useless.

3. Be Smart About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a deadly odorless gas that is produced during the combustion of  fossil fuels, like natural gas and propane. Elderly adults and children are generally more at risk of dying from carbon monoxide poisoning, so carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in your home as well.

4. Turn Your Hot Water Down

In homes with children, hot water heaters should be set no higher than 120 degrees F. A water temperature any higher than this can cause nasty burns.

5. Turn Pan Handles Back

Small children can also suffer very serious burns if they pull a hot pan off of the stove. Rotate pans so that the handles are turned toward the back of the stove when you’re cooking.

6. Place Kid’s Cups, Bowls, and Snacks Within Easy Reach

Instead of storing these items in high cupboards, store them in low cupboards or drawers. If they are within easy reach, kids are less likely to climb onto counters, which can result in dangerous falls.

7. Wipe Up Spills

Spilled liquids, like water and grease, can cause adults and children to slip and fall. Wipe up any spills immediately.

8. Lock Up Liquor

Alcohol poisoning in children can be fatal, and leaving liquor or any other type of alcohol within easy reach is just asking for trouble. If you have alcohol in your home, keep it under lock and key or place it out of reach.

9. Store Cleaning Products Properly

Most cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals that can cause chemical burns, blindness, and poisoning. Store cleaning chemicals in high cupboards out of reach of children.

10. Remember That Medication is Not Candy

Never refer to any type of medication, including cough drops and vitamins, as candy. Small children who believe that medicine is the same as candy could possibly overdose.

11. Invest in Non-slip Bath Mats

Another common cause of dangerous falls is a slippery bathtub or shower stall. Rubber or vinyl mats can be placed on bathtub and shower stall floors to help prevent accidents.

12. Cover Unused Outlets

Small children could possibly insert very small objects into unprotected outlets. Plastic outlet covers are relatively inexpensive, and they can help prevent electrocution.

13. Install Night Lights

When walking through dark hallways or rooms, it is typically very difficult for children, as well as adults, to see what’s on the ground in front of them. Tripping over objects on the floor can cause them to fall and get injured. A few night lights in bedrooms and hallways allows children to see and avoid any obstacles.

14. Clean Up Clutter

Whether it’s light or dark, clutter on the floor can also cause a child to trip and fall. Picking up clutter throughout the day and before bed not only makes your home look more appealing, but it can also prevent accidents. Purchasing large catch-all baskets for each person in your home can make de-cluttering simple and quick.

15. Tie Up Blind Cords

Dangling blind cords are often a source of constant amusement for many children. Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless cords can be quite dangerous, especially if they get wrapped around a child’s neck. Instead of leaving these cords hanging down, tie them up out of reach.

Marina writes for 1001Shops an online store of retail specialty products like silk flowers, tiffany lamps, etageres and lot more.