Young children love to climb on furniture and
use drawers and shelves as steps. However, children can sustain
crush injuries as furniture can easily tip over on them. Secure
tall bookcases, shelving, and unstable heavy furniture to walls
(into studs) with furniture brackets and/or anchors.
Tall lamps or coat racks should be removed or blocked by furniture
to keep from baby.
Cover sharp corners and edges of tables or shelves with foam
edge and corner cushions.
Electrical outlet covers are critical in this room. The best
type is the installed version. They feature a cover that can swivel
away to plug in an item, but snaps back into place when the item
is unplugged. You will never have to worry about forgetting to
plug the plastic cover back in!
Ensure all window covering cords are tied up properly out of
the babies reach and the windows are locked. Windows should not
be able to be opened more than 4 inches to prevent your child
from falling out the window.
If you have exposed brick or stone on your fireplace, install
a hearth cushion to prevent your child from banging into the sharp
brick edges. Use fireplace door guard or other latch to secure
fireplace screen doors. If you have a mesh screen, secure screen
to brick using screws and anchors. A fireplace gate or cage can
also be installed around the fireplace to prevent access and burn
injuries. A fire extinguisher should be kept handy.
If your basement is used as a family room, all the above is
applicable. All doors and areas that should not be accessible
to your child should be locked.
