Tips to Child Proof Your Home for Toddlers

Furniture and Appliances

• Heavy furniture and appliances such as book cases, dressers and refrigerators can be dangerous to toddlers. If your toddler tries to pull up on one of these, or if she tries to climb up a piece of a furniture, she could pull an unsteady appliance or piece of furniture over on herself. To prevent this, attach heavy furniture and appliances to the wall whenever possible. Latches and locks can be placed on drawers to keep your toddler from pulling them out on top of herself.

Cleaners, Chemicals and Sharp Objects

• Remove all cleaners and pesticides from low cabinets and drawers, or attach childproof locks and latches to cabinets within your child's reach. Always keep all medications on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet, and ask your pharmacist to place your prescriptions in containers featuring a childproof cap. Keep knives and other sharp cooking utensils out of reach of toddlers: if you place them in a drawer, use a lock to keep small fingers from prying the drawer open.

Choking, Suffocation and Strangulation Hazards

• Many items in your home can present a choking, suffocation or strangulation hazard to your toddler. Many toddlers will put small objects in their mouths, so check the floor for small items that your child might swallow, such as small buttons, marbles or rocks. Keep electrical cords off of the floor and away from small hands. Store plastic bags out of your child's reach, as they can cause suffocation if the toddler puts the bag on her head. Hang cords from blinds or curtains up high so that your toddler cannot pull on them or wrap them around her neck.

Stairs and the Outside

• Use safety gates to keep your child from stairs where he could fall. Likewise, safety gates can be used to keep your child from rooms such as the kitchen, which houses knives, heavy pots and pans and chemicals. Keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times so that your child cannot get outside without your knowledge. Use doorknob covers so that your child cannot turn the knob and escape.