Safe-proofing the upstairs rooms
Average rating:
Toddlers' Room
Ann-Marie says:
- Protect them from corners of skirting boards with Velcro pads.
- Use a door protector on the door if it's to be left ajar, to prevent trapping.
- Use a stairgate. At night, it means they can't wander along into other rooms.
Helen says:
- Check toys they receive as presents. They could really be an 'adult' cuddly toy. Many toys say they're for children over 36 months only.
Tip: Keep keys by window locks. If fitting bars, make sure that there's another exit from your home.
Parents' Bedroom
Ann-Marie says:
- Move lamps out of toddler range and tape fittings to prevent unscrewing.
- Make your bedroom a no-go area. At night, go to their room rather than bring them into yours.
Helen says:
- Check carefully for any hazards. Children may run into your bedroom in the morning before you're awake.
- Lock any tablets away.
Tip:: More things are dangerous than you might think. Iron tablets and contraceptive pills can kill. Mouthwashes and perfume are also hazards.
Bathroom
Babies and small children can drown in 3cm of water. Never leave them alone in the bath.
Ann-Marie says:
- Fit foam surrounds to any sharp edges on your bath.
- Use a large non-slip bath mat.
- Use a special safety device to tie away blind cords.
Helen says:
- There's no such thing as child-proof, only child-resistant. Given enough time, most can open anything. So buy yourself more time. Put medicines in an old ice-cream tub. Toddlers have to undo this before they can open any bottles.
- To save money, simply knot blind cords out of reach.
Tip: To run the bath, use cold then hot to avoid scalds. Then pour cold water over the hot tap to cool it instantly.
Average rating:
Where to next?
-
Safe-proofing the upstairs rooms
-
A new baby: what happens next? Part 2
-
A new baby: what happens next? Part 3
-
A new baby: what happens next? Part 4
-
Are baby sleeping bags a good idea?
-
Are bunk beds safe?
-
Are some children born difficult?
-
Babies who put things into their mouths
-
Baby bottle chemical scare
-
Baby milestones
-
Baby milestones: What to expect when
