Eight Child-Proofing Tips

The first line of defense in keeping your kids safe is careful supervision. But since you can't watch a child every second, installing safety devices in your home gives you another layer of protection.

Here's a rundown on some must-have safety equipment:

1. Equip your home with working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

2. To guard against falls:
   • Put gates across stairways and block openings in balconies and decks.
   • Use bumpers on sharp-edged furniture.
   • Specially-designed window locks prevent a child from opening a window far enough to fall out.
   • Put sand, wood chips, sawdust, or mulch under backyard play equipment to cushion falls.

3. Young children can drown in toilets, tubs, or a bucket with just a few inches of water. Buy special toilet latches to prevent toddlers from opening the lids. Never leave your young child unsupervised in the tub, even if he is in a bath seat.

4. Household cleaners, medicines, cosmetics and vitamins should be stored out of children's reach. Install child locks on cabinets and drawers that contain hazards such as poisonous materials or sharp utensils.

5. Use electrical outlet covers, not the plastic plugs which can break off in the outlet and may pose a choking hazard.

6. Keep window blind and drapery cords out of reach with cord shorteners.

7. If there are guns in your home, keep them unloaded and locked away.

8. Keep kids away from exercise equipment. Install safety devices such as wheel and gear covers on stationary bikes as added protection.

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