As young children get older, they start to crawl and walk around the home. Parents can guard against possible dangers by conducting a home safety evaluation from the child's point of view. The Home Safety Council recommends that parents look at each room from their child's eye level and use these tips to make homes safer for young children:
Young children need constant supervision, especially around water.
Install baby gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
Install child safety locks on cabinets to safely store chemicals, cleaners, medicines, cosmetics, and other toxic and/or caustic products.
Purchase cleaners, household chemicals, medications, and other potentially hazardous products with child-resistant packaging.
Post the national Poison Control Hotline (800-222-1222 and other emergency numbers next to every phone.
Install toilet seat locks. Turn over all buckets and store them up high, where they cannot collect standing water or be reached by children.
Test faucet water at the tap and adjust the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
If your home has a pool, surround it on all sides with installed fencing and a self-latching gate.
Never leave a child unattended near standing water, even for a moment.
Locate cribs, beds, chairs, and other furniture away from windows.
Install window locks or safety guards on above-ground windows. Be sure they have a quick-release mechanism in case of fire.
Keep window treatment cords and sashes tied and stored up high overhead; purchase new mini-blinds that meet safety standards.
Store matches, lighters, candles, and other fire tools out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.