Do you know over 2 million kids experience accidents at home every year? It’s an irony that the place which we deem to be the safest for our little ones could be so dangerous for them! We are leading a packed life today and it’s impossible for us to keep a close eye on our kids 24/7. But still there are some home preparedness we can do on our part to keep our house safe for our little stars.

Much to your convenience, the post below shares 9 important tips to keep your home safe for kids.

• Install child gates
• Secure your windows
• Keep all hazardous & dangerous elements in locked cabinets
• Clean and de-clutter regularly
• Tips to protect from shocks
• Prep up for fire, smoke and water emergencies
• Install smart home monitoring kit
• Use bumpers for edges
• Maintain a first aid kit

One of the major child accidents at home is fall from stairs. Thus, you have to be extra careful about making your stairs secured when your child is a toddler. Experts have advised to install child safety gates both at top & bottom of stairs. Make sure the stairs are locked all the time. The locks will be only opened under adult supervision. Besides, don’t keep huge spaces in between gate slats. Your little one may get trapped between slats if the spacing is too wide.

Next to stairs, falls from windows are another major cause of child injuries at home. Children have a natural tendency to reach out to the windows as they open up to the outer world. That’s good but you have to ensure beforehand the child’s curiosity is not leading him to danger. Window guards are crucial to prevent unwanted falls. You should also install screens on your windows. Not only these will prevent falls but even keep pesky bugs at bay.

Moreover, do not keep chairs near the windows. It will prevent any scope for the little one to climb up to open the windows.

Locked cabinets are a lifesaver when you are looking to babyproof your home. Make sure to keep all potentially hazardous and dangerous elements inside locked cabinets. These include:

• Medicines
• Cosmetics
• Fertilizers
• Chemicals
• Sharp objects
• Tools
• Cooking utensils

Regular cleaning of home is immensely important for the health of your child. You should make sure to de-clutter and store every little trinket at designated places. Floors must be cleared from any loose pieces or toys. Your little one can pick up anything from the floor and start licking- only to end up with food poisoning. Worst, choking is also not unnatural from toddlers popping loose pieces into their mouth.

Electric shocks are a big reason behind child injuries at home every year. Be careful to follow the tips below to prevent such unwanted mishaps-

• Cover all unused electric sockets
• Check for faulty appliances and replace or repair them immediately
• Make sure to keep little ones away from appliances
• Never use any electrical appliance near water. Your child will take up most of the things that you do
• Replace all dated wiring with new ones

In case you sense flickering lights or unusual odors or uncanny power surges- make sure to call your electrician immediately.

Fire emergencies

• Install fire alarm at every floor, including the child’s nursery
• Install fire extinguisher at every floor and one extra in your kitchen

Smoke emergencies

• Install smoke alarm at every floor, including your child’s nursery
• Install water alarm under sink and behind fridge to detect water leaks.
• Band-aids
• Bandages
• Anti-septic lotion or ointment
• Pain killers
• Cotton
• Scissors
• Medicines for digestion, cold and fever
• Medicine for any specific allergy your child is prone to
• Cleansing wipes
• Thermometer

Water emergencies

Installing these alarms are not enough. You have to check them every month to make sure these are in proper working condition. If you notice any kind of damage or malfunction, replace or repair them as fast as possible.

One of the main bases of child safety at home involves protection of the kid from unwanted intruders. Thus, experts always advise investment in a reliable monitored home security system. Such kits will notify you immediately about the people coming & leaving your property. This way, if you notice a stranger or an unwanted person, you can take action immediately. Some of these security systems also double up as carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

Furniture like TV stands or coffee tables usually sport sharp edges which can be injurious for infants. Now, you can’t definitely lock up your center table in your closet. The best way to protect your kid here is to cushion up those sharp edges with protective bumpers.

You should always have a first aid kit handy for the elementary care in case of accidents. Your first aid box should include-

Finally, educate every member of the house about child safety at home, including the nanny. If your child is above 3 years, make sure to educate him/her about the potential hazards at home.