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80% of injuries in young children occur in or around the home, and with families having been cooped up in their homes for weeks on end during lockdown many parents of babies and young toddlers will have realised how potentially unsafe their homes actually are – with hazards lurking in every room.
“Children are naturally curious and when they are confined to home for long periods, they will be tempted to explore in ways that would put them at risk. The current lockdown is challenging for everyone – especially when you have little space to move around. Under these conditions, the risk of injury is increased for children,” says Yolande Baker, Executive Director of child safety advocacy group, Childsafe.
However, there are many things you can do to make your home as safe as possible for your young one.
Orlando Luis, CEO of the family owned chain of hardware stores, Brights – which offers an extensive range of childproofing products for your home – gives these simple, helpful, and potentially life-saving guidelines on how to ensure your baby’s environment is childproof:
Childproofing checklist
• Put rubber or foam protectors around corners and sharp edges such as tables, kitchen counter tops, televisions etc. “Recommended products are foam edge protector strips, foam corner protectors, door jam protectors and door cushions,” says Luis.
• If your home has stairs, make sure to install a sturdy child safety gate, preferably at the top and bottom of the stairs. “One can choose between standard safety gates or retractable safety gates and there are also safety gate extensions available for larger apertures.”
• Ensure that movable furniture, such as a television or bookshelf,
• Garbage bins should be kept in a place where your baby is not able to reach eg, in a cupboard with locks.
• All doors should always be closed or locked, so that your baby cannot push them open while crawling. “Under door stops are recommended. With the Under Door Stop in place, the door will not be able to swing close, or open any further, without removing the door stop from underneath it.”
• The dishwasher, fridge and all cupboards should have child-proof locks, with cleaning detergents and any harmful products safely locked inside. “There are many different kinds of safety catches and cupboard locks to choose from such as multi-latches, flexi cabinet locks, and refrigerator locks,” says Luis.
• Make sure the toilet seat remains closed. Not only is it unhygienic for children to play in the toilet bowl but babies have been known to drown by falling head first into the toilet. “A specially designed toilet latch is available that keeps the lid of the toilet bowl locked in place and away from curious inspection.”
• Put covers on plugs that are located closer to the floor or on eye level of your baby when they are crawling. “These covers prevent small children from putting their fingers into electric plug points.”
• Loose cords for big electronics such a television, sound system etc., should be fastened with a plastic zip-tie.
Child Safety Product Suggestions From Brights:
- Safety catches – R25,95
- Corner latches – R35,95
- Cupboard locks – R47,95
- Door cushions – R39,95
- Door jam protectors – R49,95
- Electrical outlet covers – R62,95
- Flexi cabinet lock – R94,95
- Foam corner protectors – R54,95
- Multi-latches – R76,95
- Toilet latch – R35,95
- Under door stop – R94,95
- Universal flexi lock – R27,95
- Foam edge Protector strips –
- Refrigerator lock
- Retractable safety gate
- Standard safety gate
“All of these products are distributed under the Perma brand by South African company Permoseal, and stocked at Brights stores. There are many more practical steps parents can take to ensure the safety of their young children but by putting the above measure in place you will have ensured your home is a far safer space for the youngest and most curious family members,” concludes Luis.
Brights Hardware have on-site experts in all of their stores to provide advice and guidance on any home repairs or maintenance. The public can also send through questions and queries to Brights experts via email and through social media. “Whatever you may be wanting to do to prepare your home for Winter, our knowledgeable staff members can provide you with all the product insights and information that you need.”
Brights stores are located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Montague Park, Plattekloof, Uitzicht and Brackengate. Child safety products are also available on the online store www.brights.co.za/online-shop.