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2torial #0578:
Learn2
Child-Proof Your Home (Continued)
 Child-proof the living room
Since it's the meeting area, the living room is
a place for friends and their children to
congregate. Unfortunately, it's often an area with
many valuable or sentimental items as well. Look
for any items on tables and/or within a toddler's
reach, or on top of a platform that could be shaken
or knocked over. Relocate these items to higher
ground or to a locked room or closet. Here are some
particulars to watch out for:
- Cord yanking: If something can be pulled, you can bet
toddlers will pull on it. Also of concern: children can choke
on mini-blind cords, so keep these out of reach. For electronics
and appliances, tie the various electrical cords together or keep
them together inside an old telephone cord. This will make them
inconspicuous and less likely to appear as playthings. Another
alternative is to use cord shorteners, available at most hardware
stores.
- Outlet testing: a child's explorations can include knee-high
electrical outlets. Place safety guards over unoccupied outlets.
- Lid closing: to avoid squishing little fingers in the
lids of chests or pianos, glue a few pieces of a resilient material
(e.g., cork or thick felt) on the lid to keep it from slamming
shut.
- Plant pulling: keep all floor and hanging plants out
of reach. Even if the child isn't hurt by knocking it over, you'll
have a big mess on your hands.
- Bookcase tumbling: If you have a slightly wobbly or top-heavy
bookcase, consider securing it to the wall. Use shelf brackets screwed
to the side or top of the bookcase, and then screwed to the wall.
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