Children are a blessing, and caring for them is every parent's top priority. But what if you're living in an apartment? How do you ensure your little ones are safe and happy while enjoying all the benefits of a child-friendly apartment? Here are some tips for childproofing your apartment and making it a comfortable, fun place for the whole family.
1. Child-proofing the essentials like sockets and sharp corners.
Kids are naturally curious, but this curiosity can put them in harm's way if you haven't child-proofed your apartment. Most people choose to do this by using corner guards, foam corner pads, or plastic caps to create unique covers on electrical outlets and sharp corners. You can also try removing the sharp edges from furniture by putting foam cushions around them or sticking padding over them to make them safer. For sockets, you can buy special plastic plugs that fit into the outlets and prevent children from sticking anything into them.
2. Use safety gates to keep kids away from dangerous areas.
A metal mesh baby gate will protect your children from the stairs and other dangerous areas of the house. Don't forget to put these up when you have to leave the house or if you have a babysitter looking after your kids. A baby gate is also a great way to keep pets out of certain places while keeping your kids in.
3 Get creative with storage to keep things like toys and clothes off the floor and away from curious hands.
Storing things like toys and books in a closet will keep them out of harm's way and protect them from being stepped on. Using shelves, baskets, or bins, you can create custom cubbies to store items in. A toy basket is perfect for storing all their favorite playthings in one place, so it's always ready for them. You can also buy storage bins beveled at the corners so a child's hands can't reach them.
4. Steer clear of messy play on the floor.
Put up plastic play areas in different home places and ensure they are covered to protect little hands from dangerous substances like paint, glue, and other potentially toxic play things. Encourage your kids to play out from anything that can stain or easily be made dirty.
5. Keep an eye on your children at all times.
This is probably the most important tip of all. No matter how childproofed your home is, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your kids when they play. If you can't be in the same room as them, try using a baby monitor so you can see and hear what they're up to.
6. Keep the living room and kitchen clear of anything breakable or dangerous.
Fill your glass-top coffee table with a unique new frosted protective cover and ensure glass vases and fragile ornaments are out of reach. Use non-slip pads to keep your furniture in place to avoid accidents or injuries. Make sure your kitchen is filled with safe play areas for kids like magnetic plates, wooden spoons, measuring cups, whisks, colanders, and fun pots and pans.
7. Childproofing the bathroom.
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous places in your apartment for children because of their accessibility and potential for accidents. Ensure toilets are lidded and any chemical cleaners, cleaning supplies, or makeup in the bathroom are kept out of reach. Put up shower curtains that can't be pulled off easily by children to make sure they don't get burned by a hot, running shower.
8. Keep your cleaning supplies locked away and inaccessible.
Walk-in closets or laundry rooms are ideal places to keep your cleaning supplies, poisons, and chemicals out of reach to avoid poisoning or other injuries if swallowed accidentally. Also, ensure all medicine vials are locked up for the same reason if you end up with a wiggly toddler in your hands. An excellent way to keep them from getting into things they're not supposed to be to put a childproofing lock on the inside of all cabinets, doors, and drawers.
9. Invest in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
These are a must in any home but especially important if you have children. Place them near sleeping areas and make sure they're tested monthly to ensure they're working correctly. They could save your child's life in a fire or gas leak.
10. Be prepared for accidents.
Even in the most childproofed home, accidents can happen. Keep a first-aid kit on hand and know how to use it. Burns, cuts, and bruises are all common childhood injuries that you should be able to deal with quickly and efficiently. Knowing what to do in an emergency could mean distinguishing between minor damage and a trip to the hospital.
These simple tips can help make your apartment safer for your children to play in. Creating a child-friendly apartment doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, and it could save your child from an accident. Just a little bit of effort on your part can go a long way towards keeping your kids safe.