June: National Safety Month

By Lindsay Hornell, BSW, B.A.,
Graduate Research Assistants in Human Development & Family Studies,
Colorado State University

une: National Safety Month

While there are countless situations that require grandparents keeping their grandchildren safe, one of the most important ways to keep young grandchildren safe is by baby proofing a home. Each year, over 4.5 million children are injured in their home, so baby proofing is a crucial step for anyone with infants and toddlers. In order for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren to baby proof as effectively as possible, it is important to know where there are dangers in the home. With June being National Safety Month, take some time to look over these common safety hazards to be sure your house is baby proofed.

Bathroom:

  • Lower the water temperature on your water heater to avoid accidental burns
  • Consider buying toilet lid locks, curious toddlers love to play with water

Doors:

  • Use doorknob covers for doors you do not want your grandchildren to open

Windows:

  • Be sure to tie up any cords to blinds, so your grandchildren cannot get tangled in them (do not put cribs, high chairs, or play pens near cords to window blinds)
  • Make sure furniture that grandchildren can climb on is not near a window

Outlets:

  • Cover all unused electrical outlets with safety plugs before your grandchildren begin crawling

Stairways:

  • Be sure to install baby gates before your grandchildren begin crawling (at both the top and the bottom of the stairs)
  • Do not leave anything on your stairs, as it can become a tripping hazard while you are carrying your grandchildren

Furniture and Appliances:

  • When cooking, keep handles turned towards the back of the stove (try to only use back burners when possible)
  • Fasten bookshelves to the wall so grandchildren are not able to pull them over
  • Keep all drawers and cabinets closed. Consider purchasing cabinet baby locks to keep grandchildren from opening cabinets and drawers
  • Be sure to keep ALL medicines and household cleaners in drawers/cabinets that are securely locked

While it is important to be sure to baby proof your home as much as possible, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a 100% baby proofed house or apartment. So, be sure to combine baby proofing with close supervision in order to keep your young grandchildren as safe as possible.