Great Room

When you childproof your home, your curious child can explore and experience new things in a safer environment.

• The hard, sharp edges of furniture such as coffee tables and end tables can pose a hazard to crawling babies and walking toddlers. Be sure to pad corners and edges to avoid injury.

• Cover all outlets to prevent an electrical shock.

• Wrap up excess blind cords to keep them out of reach.

• Window screens cannot support the weight of a child. Keep windows locked and keep children away from open windows.

• Keep electrical cords out of child's reach by tucking them behind a piece of furniture when possible or with a cord shortener.

• Cover power strips to prevent your child from accessing exposed outlets and pulling out plugs.

• Furniture, even wide dressers, can be surprisingly tippable. Secure furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.

• Test your TV and other home entertainment equipment for toppling risks.

• Use guards to keep little fingers from pressing buttons and inserting items into places they don’t belong.

• Give baby only toys that are suitable for her age. Keep the toys of older siblings out of reach, as they may pose a choking hazard.

• Regularly survey the area for potential choking hazards, such as buttons, coins, plant leaves, and other small items.