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Babyproofing
Babyproofing is an important part of readying your home for an active toddler. We usually recommend starting these interventions when your child is about 6 months of age, so that when they start crawling around 9-10 months, you are not taken by surprise.
All electrical outlets must be covered, and wires hidden where searching hands cannot grab them.
All reachable cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, medications, or other chemicals must have locks. Toddlers often view a closed cabinet or drawer as a challenge, and their natural curiosity and desire to explore often leads them to the place you least want them.
Handbags should be kept out of reach.
Batteries can be very dangerous, and since remote controls are among most toddlers' favorite toys, they must be kept high up and away from children.
Gates should protect children from stairs.
Walkers are dangerous and should not be used.
Safety locks should be installed so that little hands cannot open the front door and walk out.
The stove is another area where children should never be allowed to touch.
Check for sharp furniture edges where toddlers could fall and hit their heads. Getting on your hands and knees and trying to see the world through the eyes of a child is one way to find potentially dangerous objects.
The phone number for poison control (1-800-POISONS) should be available.
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