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 even walking toddlers. Be sure to pad corners and edges to avoid injury.
   
• Be sure to also pad the brick edges of a fireplace, which can be dangerous. Keep all fireplace accessories, fire wood and matches out of reach. Always keep your child away from the fireplace while a fire is burning.
   
• Cover all outlets to prevent an electrical shock.
   
• Blind cords can pose a strangulation hazard to children. Wrap up excess blind cords to keep them out of reach.
   
• Window screens cannot support the weight of a child, and are not intended to do so. 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 powerstrips to prevent your child from accessing exposed outlets and pulling out plugs.
   
• Prevent your child from pulling furniture onto himself by securing it to the wall.
   
• Lock your VCR to prevent little fingers from getting stuck, and possibly cut.
   
• Give baby only the toys that are suitable for her age. Keep the toys of older siblings out of reach, as they may pose a choking hazard.
   
• Move heavy and breakable items out of your child’s reach.
   
• Regularly survey the area for potential choking hazards, such as buttons, coins, plant leaves and dirt, etc.