CHILDPROOFING FAMILY ROOM

Last but not least, we have the living room.  This is where the majority of your time will be spent.  Which is why this is perhaps the most important room in the house to baby proof. 

Chances are your baby will take his/her first step in this room, so you want to make it as safe as possible.  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the room to look for the most obvious dangers.  Electrical covers, corner guards, and cord shorteners should all be considered.

Consider the following tips when working in this room.

Electrical covers.  We have discussed this in other rooms, but they are critical in this room.  You have a few different kinds to choose from.  There are the plastic covers that come in a pack of 12 or 24.  They are very cheap, and chances are your baby will begin to figure them out early on.  The best type is the installed versions.  They feature a cover that can swivel away to plug in an item, but snaps back into place when the item is unplugged.  This type is harder to figure out for little hands, and you never have to worry about forgetting to plug the plastic cover back in! 

Window treatments.  Window covering or blind cords can be a major hazard for your baby, especially when near furniture.  You will want to tie these up so that your child is unable to reach them.  Cord shorteners can be purchased as well to do the job.

Bookshelves/furniture etc.  Furniture should be secured with L-brackets.  Your baby will try to pull themselves up on various items, so it is important to secure all items.

Small breakables and other small items.  Items on lower shelves will be the first things explored.  Place breakables up high, paying special attention to items that are small enough to pose as a choking hazard.  Heavy objects can prove to be projectiles aimed at your windows or TV.

Chairs.  Make sure that all desk chairs, dining chairs, etc. are pushed under the table all the way.  Toddlers love to climb and may see your rolling computer chair as an interesting jungle gym.

Furniture edges.  Sharp coffee table edges can prove to be a big problem for toddlers.  You can buy corner guards at any store, or you can make your own.   Make sure that whatever you use is secured properly, and your little one can’t pry it off and possibly choke on it.

House plants- low lying house plants normally get eaten.  So place them up high, and make sure to research whether they are toxic.  If they are- throw them out immediately.

Front/Back doors.  Door knob covers may work, or you can choose to install high deadbolts that will keep your curious one inside.

Clean up often- spills and small items on the floor are all hazardous, so tidy up often.

 
Eliminate baby's access to fireplaces, wood stoves and hot tubs using gates developed
for this purpose. If gates will not work on fireplace use specially designed fireplace lock
on glass accordion doors and install hearth padding around edges of hearth to prevent
child from falling onto it.
 

Remove gas key from fireplace gas gauge and store in high place.

Anchor all items that are tipping hazards.
Anchor TVs.

Remove all items (Torchiere lamps, freestanding coat racks, statues, etc.) from home until
child is older.

Cover end tables, coffee tables, countertops, and low dressers furniture corners and
edges with cushioning created for this purpose.