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Install covers on electrical outlets. |
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Put all plants up and out of the way, and make sure none are
toxic. |
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Secure all medications, cleaning products, and anything else
that could be harmful if ingested, into a locked cabinet. |
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Secure all doors that lead to outside. If there is a chance
that your grandchild could reach up and unlock the door, you
should consider door knob covers that prevent children from
opening doors. |
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Lock your cabinets. External locks (such as a cabinet
flex-lock) should work well when your grandchildren come over.
These locks are ideal as they are placed over the cabinet
handles, and can be easily removed when your grandchildren leave
and stored for next time. |
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Use appliance latches. These plastic locks or latches serve
to keep appliances (such as your oven and dishwasher) and toilets
secured closed. |
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Utilize gates. They are your best friend when children come
to visit, as you can section off safe areas and keep rooms that
are difficult to baby proof out of reach. Use stair gates at the
top and bottom of every staircase, as well as adjustable gates to
keep children contained in safe areas. Ask your grandchild’s
parent’s to bring adjustable gates with them when they visit. |
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Install window gates. Many children are injured each year
after falling out of windows. Don’t depend on a screen to keep
children in; you need a window guard or gate that meets current
standards and that is properly installed. |
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Vacuum all floors before your grandchildren arrive, in order
to pick up any small items that might have been missed. |
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Most importantly, get down to your grandchild’s level for one
last check before they visit. Look out for any small objects they
could choke on or heavy objects they could pull onto themselves. |
