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If you haven’t heard of the terrible twos yet, you’re in for the surprise of your life! The ‘terrible twos,’ as the name implies, can be a downright challenging time for parents, as toddlers become more curious, independent, and stubborn, often to the detriment of the entire household! At this point in their young lives, children are explorers who want to feel, touch, and investigate literally everything – and we mean everything! That’s why parents need to take extra precautions and care to ensure that their home is a safe and secure environment for their kiddies. But how can you get ready for the terrible twos, and how can you make your home baby-proof and completely safe for the little tike? Let’s find out.
Declutter!
Before we go into the specifics, let’s first talk about decluttering. Decluttering will not only make the process easier, but it will also give you peace of mind. That said, do away with anything that is no longer needed (or a potential hazard!). You can begin by clearing out any clutter on the floor (such as toys or shoes) that could cause a tripping hazard, as advised by skip hire companies like Valleytrading.co.uk. Then remove items that are dangerous or fragile that could be within reach. Once you’ve done all these and disposed of clutter properly (you can hire a skip to make it easier), you can start baby-proofing your home.
The most important considerations
The first step to having a baby-proof home is to identify hazards. Remember: toddlers are endlessly curious and can get into things that may be dangerous to them. Some potential hazards include electrical outlets. Cover any outlets with outlet covers to prevent your child from sticking objects (or their fingers!) into them, which can cause serious harm. Another potential safety hazard is cabinets and drawers. Toddlers love opening and closing cabinets and drawers, so install locks that will keep your child from getting into sharp objects, cleaning supplies, or medications.
Falling down the stairs can be dangerous for anyone, but most especially for a toddler, so install a baby gate at the top (and bottom) of the stairs. Heavy or unstable furniture can be a real hazard if your toddler tries to climb on it; secure dressers, bookcases, and other furniture to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Lastly, sharp edges on countertops or furniture can cause serious bodily injury if a toddler runs into them. It’s best to use corner guards to protect your child from these hazards.
Additional tips
Try to get down on your hands and knees: doing this will let you see the world from your child’s perspective. Look for hazards that may not be visible from an adult’s point of view. Baby gates are essential in homes with growing kids, and you can use them to block off areas of your home that are off-limits (such as the kitchen or stairs). You may also wish to secure cords and blinds; cords can be a choking hazard, so make sure they are out of reach. Also, ensure your child cannot get tangled up in the cords. You should also lock up your cleaning products and supplies, as they are often stored under the sink. Move them to a high cabinet, and make sure it is locked!