You’ve Got an Active Toddler in the House. It’s time to ramp up and review your safety-proofing.
With
your child’s increasing growth and mobility, it’s more possible for him
to reach unsafe heights and get into dangerous materials. And junior
moves fast! Assume that your child can get into things that were
previously considered out of reach. Scan each room and think about what
your child might be able to get into, taking the time to reorganize
your kitchen drawers and cabinets, remove sharp objects from lower
drawers and garbage cans, and make sure windows and stairs are well
protected. Continue to pay close attention to keeping small objects
away from your child (and out of her mouth). While it is a good age to
start disciplining your child and teaching him the meaning of the word
"no," realize that it is your toddler's job to test limits, and you
shouldn't expect him to willingly comply.
To make sure you
safety-proofing is still on point, get down on your knees in each room
and look at things from your child’s perspective.
1. Safety latches for drawers and cupboards
Place safety locks or latches on all drawers and cabinets in your
kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room. Keep in mind that even vitamins
are dangerous to a little one. Even child resistant lids will not keep
a clever toddler from opening a bottle so it is extremely important to
have multiple security measures in place. Sharp objects such as knives
and other utensils can be very dangerous for young children and drawers
themselves can be a hazard if it is possible for them to pull it all
the way out and fall onto a curious toddler.
2. Outlet covers
Safety outlet covers and plates help prevent children from sticking
their fingers or other objects into electrical outlets. The risk of
electrical shock or electrocution is very real for young children.
Inexpensive outlet plugs are available for unused outlets; covers that
fit over plugs are available for regularly used outlets.
3. Safety gates
Use safety gates to prevent children from going up or down stairs
unsupervised. At the top of a stairway it is important to use a
securely mounted gate, such as one that is screwed into the wall,
rather than a pressure mounted gate. Pressure mounted gates are fine
for the bottom of a staircase or to use to prevent a child from
entering a potentially dangerous room. Gates are available in
configurable shapes, sizes and looks to suit any home’s needs. If your
child is a climber, make sure the gate has vertical railings to make it
less easy to scale.
4. Door locks and door knob covers
Prevent children from entering potentially dangerous areas in your home
by placing locks on the doors. Door knob covers also can keep children
from opening doors, but these are less secure than locks and many
children can manipulate them. Also lock doors leading outside and to
the garage to prevent toddlers from taking adventures outdoors without
you. In addition, use door stops to keep doors from inadvertently
closing on little fingers.
5. Window and balcony guards
Window screens will not prevent a child from falling out a window, so
all high windows should have bars if they are ever left open. If you
live in an apartment building, your landlord is required by law to make
sure your windows are safely secured. Make sure the bars can be easily
opened in the event of a fire, however. Special netting and screens can
be used for balconies, decks and landings to prevent a child from
falling from high areas.
6. Hot water guards
Have anti-scald guards installed on all faucets to prevent hot water
from burning baby. Set the hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
to help avoid burns.
7. Bumpers for sharp objects
Look for objects with sharp corners and edges and cover them with pads.
Some common hazards include fireplace corners, coffee table edges, bar
or breakfast nook overhangs and table corners. Cover bathtub faucets
with a padded device to prevent a baby from hitting himself on the
sharp edge.
8. Remove strangulation hazards
Window blind cords with loops and other hanging ribbons and strings can
pose strangulation hazards. Place safety tassels (available from window
blind manufacturers) on looped blind cords.
9. Use detectors
Place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors liberally throughout your
home. Early warning systems are critical safety devices for the
protection of the whole family. Also, have and review your fire safety
plan with every adult in the house.
10. Remove water hazards
Never leave standing water in a bucket, tub or wading pool. A baby or
toddler can drown in even a few inches of water. Always closely
supervise children in bathtubs, pools or other bodies of water.
Consider placing locks on toilet lids as well.
11. Cover and fence pools
Backyard swimming pools are one of the most dangerous hazards. Ensure
swimming pools are fenced and securely covered or alarmed and never
leave a child alone where there is access to a swimming pool or any
other standing water.
Big Kid News
Toddler Years 
A new addition and the stress of caring for an infant can put a serious crimp in your sex life. 
Sign up for the Mocha Manual Mom-to-be
Do You! Not reaching your goals? Maybe you need a confidence makeover. 
