The Best Child Safety Device

Buying Guide

No matter their age, children are innately curious. They want to grab anything that looks interesting or try to eat a new object they found. They love shaking bottles filled with mystery liquid or smelling a container they found in the garage. Regardless of how old they get, kids love to learn — and the way they do that is by exploring. However, not everything in the house is safe for them to explore independently, which is why it’s important to use child safety devices throughout the home.

There are countless child safety devices available, so the type you need will depend on your home and the different elements you need to protect your kids from. One of most important child safety devices you will need are safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or garage, there are likely bottles of harmful chemicals in these areas that kids should not have access to.

If you have stairs in your home, it’s important to put up safety gates so kids cannot fall down the stairs. Some people also put up safety gates to prevent children from entering certain areas, such as the kitchen when the stove is on. Door knob covers and door locks are essential, especially on the front and back doors of the house. Young children may be able to open the doors on their own and head outside without an adult, which can be incredibly dangerous.

To prevent kids from hurting themselves on sharp edges, such as the corners of a coffee table, install edge bumpers on the furniture. Outlet covers are another essential child safety device to have so that kids cannot push anything into the socket and be electrocuted. For homes with multiple floors, be sure to install window guards and safety netting so kids do not accidentally fall from windows or balconies.

• When is the right time to get your child safety devices in place? Ideally, you want to ensure your home is childproof before your baby starts crawling. As soon as they have the ability to move around on their own, they are naturally going to get into mischief. Some parents childproof their home before baby is born while others do it just before they start crawling.
• Water can be a dangerous element, especially in the bathroom or kitchen. Ensure kids cannot burn themselves with the tap by installing anti-scald devices. To protect kids from drowning, never leave them alone in the bath until they are older. If you have a pool or hot tub, be sure to set clear rules on why kids are not allowed to go into them without an adult present. Installing safety gates or fences is key to preventing drownings as well.
• Tall furniture can be dangerous to children, especially those who love to climb. Be sure to use wall anchors to secure furniture to studs in the wall so that they won’t fall over and crush anyone.
• While door locks on front and back doors are essential for keeping children from venturing outside without adult supervision, it’s vital that adults can quickly open the doors in case of emergency. Practice using the locks yourself so you know how to operate them.
• While child safety devices work to prevent accidents in the home, it’s also important to educate children on why these devices are there. Use age-appropriate language to talk to kids about why they should never ingest something that could harm them or how hot water can burn their skin, for example.