Toddler proofing (for toddler novices)

[kermit116]

We will have family coming to stay with us for about 3 weeks - they have an 18 month old toddler who is walking and even running around their home. I'm looking for suggestions on toddler proofing our home, and also for products that are economical but useful.

Mostly I'm concerned with locks for drawers, kitchen cabinets, the china cabinet, and also ideas for toddler proofing around a brick edged fireplace hearth. I've seen some soft corners for tables, but we have some brick on our fireplace that sticks out and I'm not sure if the table corner pads will stick to the brick.

I'm wondering if we need to get some toddler proof covers for door handles? Most of our doors that lead outside also have a deadbolt that is too high (and strong) for a toddler to reach, but I'm worried that with all the chaos of various family in and out of the house that at some point the deadbolt will be missed and the toddler may just try to toddle right out the door.

Also, the other complication is since we have several family members staying with us, the kitchen cabinet locks (whatever type we use), have to be easily removable for adults, otherwise I'm concerned others in our home may leave the cabinets unlocked and the toddler may get into things.

I'm a total novice with toddlers, so any advice (no matter how simple or common sense sounding) is very much appreciated!!

 

[MAJPLO]

I would stick to simple things like outlet plugs and making sure cords to blinds are wrapped up securely. Get rid of the candles, breakables and chotzkes on end tables and low surfaces. Other than that ask the parents if their child has any certain habits they tend to worry about. We never covered any corners because neither of our kids ever fell or bumped often enough to worry that much about it. A regular baby gate is not a bad idea either. Just to block off certain areas or at least provide containment for a bit. Definitely a must if you have stairs. And move any wobbly, rickety, or unstable furniture that could easily tip over.

 

[kermit116]

Thanks for the tips. We do have a baby gate - hopefully the little one won't try to climb it! Also, a parent or grandparent should be with the toddler at all times, but I guess I'm just worried about those inevitable moments when everyone is sitting around chatting and then suddenly realizes the toddler has wandered off to another room. We don't have a ton of breakable things out on tables, but we do have a lot of things in cabinets and closets so those are my biggest concern right now.

 

[cornflake]

The cabinet latches are usually easy for adults to open.

If it's only for three weeks and you've got a bunch of stuff in cabinets/credenzas what have you that's breakable that you won't be using day to day (unlike kitchen cabinets with pots you need to access regularly), you can probably go old school on some and save yourself the cost and trouble of installing the child-proof latches on everything.

If it's cabinets you're not likely to access a lot and just want to keep him or her out of, that have knobs, get a rubber band and circle the knobs together, very tightly. You can cut it off later. You can do it with twine and knot it well too. For handles you can tie with twine and knot well.

Outlet covers, watch for where you have cords that could tug something big or a bunch of stuff over, remember stuff like turning pot handles inward - start practicing that now!

One of the best ways to see if you missed stuff is to get on your knees and walk around that way, so you're at the correct height. You'll see the rooms from a different vantagepoint.

Also start just closing doors when you leave a room so it starts to become a habit. Easier if the doors are just closed. And echoing what MAJPLO said - the parents will know what the weird stuff is. Some kids are climbers and will scale any bookshelf they see, some kids wouldn't think to do that in a million years, etc. So just point out what you did and ask if there's anything they see that they think the little one would be likely to be attracted to that you can take care of or you all should be more aware of while they're there. You can't protect them from everything, they get into stuff; parents know - they'll appreciate your efforts!

 

[LJSquishy]

Honestly, the biggest thing is for the parent to supervise their child.

You will want to remove any candles and fragile items within their reach that you don't want touched or broken.

A few of the cabinet child locks are fine if you don't mind installing them, or just remove the dangerous items (cleaning supplies & medications) out of reach since it's only temporary. Definitely purchase some outlet covers.

I wouldn't bother with corner pads or childproof door handle covers. If you have a staircase you can either decide whether or not to buy a child gate for it or just let the parents know that they need to supervise their child at all times.

One helpful thing would be to get an inexpensive small step stool for the child to be able to help wash their hands in the bathroom sink.

It really doesn't require much to keep a toddler safe -- provided the parents are doing their job and keeping an eye out.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

I have a 17 month old and I would say DVDs out of reach, cleaning supplies either moved or put behind a closed door. At 18 months their hands cannot turn a knob. If you have French handles those can be opened. A stool will be a waste of your money as I have to lift my dd to wash her hands and ds at almost 4 uses a stool to wash his hand and he is extra tall. My pet peev when invited over to houses is knick knacks all over. I can keep my own kids safe from every day stuff but the little breakables all over are harder and they are appealing. Watch out for anything that looks like a fun place to shove something else ie the sandwich into the DVD player... Outlet covers are good. Watch for little finger getting smashed. Toddlers are always underfoot.

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[MSSANDRA]

I think you are very considerate to think about this child in your home. His parents will be grateful. My biggest concerns are things that he could ingest. Be sure all medications are up where he can not get to them, and remind grandparents that may be living out of a suitcase to do the same thing. Older people tend to set medications on the bedside table and they often have the non-child-proof lids since there are no children in their home.

Be sure all cleaning supplies are our of reach, check your kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms etc.

Check for things like mouth wash, aftershave etc that might be under your sinks.

Do you have pets??? Think through protecting him from the pets and the pets from him

Outside doors can be a concern, with a lot of traffic in and out, I would consider adding the door covers but still ask everyone to please use the dead-bolt.

I think the single most important thing to be sure 100% of the time WHO is watching the child. Things happen most often when someone thinks someone else is watching the child. We, travel often, sometimes with larger family groups and just one child. Plenty of people to watch the child, but sometimes everyone assumes that someone else is watching the child. My rule has always been that I have my eye on the child 100% of the time unless I ask someone to watch him. If they hand over the watch, they need to tell that person and me. Sounds sorta crazy but it works for us.

A few things to think about; where will the toddler sleep? Ask his parents if he will sleep with them or need a bed. Often you will find friends have items you can use. Be sure he sleeps where an adult will wake up if he tries to get up during the night to avoid him getting into something.

It would be nice to have a few sippy cups, a few toys, maybe a booster seat for eating....again..borrow from friends.

Also are they flying in? Will he need a car seat while he is visiting?

 

[Princess Melody]

I have a 20 month old & at 17 months she most certainly could turn knobs and open doors. One good thing about this age is they are usually beyond putting small things in their mouths but not yet into shoving things in their noses and ears.
The main things I would say are to cover outlets, be aware of where cords are, and put all breakables & poisonous things out of reach. Use the baby gate if you have stairs to block them off. If you have a Christmas tree up take that down before the visit.
We had corners covered when she started toddling but no longer bother. She is running now & will trip & fall just as easily on a flat surface as she will run into a corner. Toddlers are prone to falls but they are close to the ground.
Climbing is a big thing at this age. 17-20 months like to climb on everything but you can't exactly remove all chairs & couches. Just make sure there is supervision.
Try to have some toys & books out that will be attractive to the toddler. You don't necessarily have to buy stuff. "Toys" at this age can be cardboard boxes and magazines to rip up.
If they will be using your tub a nonslip mat is also a nice touch but not a necessity.

 

[Canooknic]

What a great host you are!!

I would cover outlets, keep anything you don't want broken out of the way and use elastic bands around kitchen cabinets to keep them closed. Your best friend can be duct-tape! Cover DVD slots, stick drawers closed etc. Sit on the floor and see what catches your eye - that's what they'll be heading for if my boys are anything to go by!!

A stair gate is great too but the best thing will always be a watchful parent!

 

[sookie]

We will have family coming to stay with us for about 3 weeks - they have an 18 month old toddler who is walking and even running around their home. I'm looking for suggestions on toddler proofing our home, and also for products that are economical but useful.

Mostly I'm concerned with locks for drawers, kitchen cabinets, the china cabinet, and also ideas for toddler proofing around a brick edged fireplace hearth. I've seen some soft corners for tables, but we have some brick on our fireplace that sticks out and I'm not sure if the table corner pads will stick to the brick.

I'm wondering if we need to get some toddler proof covers for door handles? Most of our doors that lead outside also have a deadbolt that is too high (and strong) for a toddler to reach, but I'm worried that with all the chaos of various family in and out of the house that at some point the deadbolt will be missed and the toddler may just try to toddle right out the door.

Also, the other complication is since we have several family members staying with us, the kitchen cabinet locks (whatever type we use), have to be easily removable for adults, otherwise I'm concerned others in our home may leave the cabinets unlocked and the toddler may get into things.

I'm a total novice with toddlers, so any advice (no matter how simple or common sense sounding) is very much appreciated!!

There are gates that go around entire fireplaces - I would look into those. I think there is a website called first steps - they have a lot of innovative products but they are not cheap.
I would focus on cabinets and putting things up - and make the parents control their angel!

 

[Promomx2]

Watch out also to your tv. If it is not mounted to the wall, make sure it cannot be pulled down. My grandson (22 mos) just moved near us and I had to baby proof the house. I moved very important breakables upstairs, gate at the stairs and I do have one cabinet I let him take the pans out. Also watch if you have a front loading washing machine, he loves to turn knobs and push buttons on dishwasher and water dispenser on refrigerator. Might be easier just to gate the kitchen off limits. You might pick up a few toys/books at goodwill. I have a special place for his toys and he knows exactly where they are when he comes bye.

 

[Swimalie]

Great ideas so far and I love that you are willing to child-proof. One suggestion for the fireplace is to buy some cheap foam "pipe" at Lowe's or Home Depot and cut a slit down the middle. It can go over brick and pad it some more.

If you get down on your knees, you will see what the toddler sees and can tell what you you need to move, pad or lock down.

As a mom of a once-toddler, I'm glad you are thinking this way. I went to my mother in law's house with our then-20 month old where pills and chemicals were sitting out on the kitchen table (yes, messy house) and breakables were within his reach and he did pick them up. I was with him at all times unless I handed him over to my husband.

 

[msmama]

I HAD a toddler and didn't do most of what was suggested here!!

1. Ask the parents what they think you should do (maybe the kid has an affinity for certain things like DVD's which you'd like to move).

2. Anything irreplaceable, put away. Far away. Anything breakable or dangerous should probably be moved, too.

That said, I would never expect any child proofing to be done when I visit somewhere. I would just plan on watching my child like a hawk. I would say if you're going to worry, worry about making one room the "play" room. Parents should obviously bring some toys, but toss in a couple of tupperware containers and my son would've been happy as a clam!

 

[talulabelle]

I have a 20 month old that is the most dangerous toddler ever to hit the face of the Earth. He is climbing everything (we have locks on our TOP CABINETS too). But I still think you definately do not need to invest the money (all the store bought products are EXPENSIVE) and time (installing cabinet locks on all cabinets is no small task ..well at least for my husband) then after the family leaves, you would have to take them all off (because they are as annoying as all get out when you are trying to get everything).

As far as the brick hearth, I just threw a couple of soft blankets over the sharp edges. It is just enough that if a baby falls into it before you can get to him, it will prevent any bad boo-boos. Another cheap thing you could do it buy a pool floating noodle. SLit it sown the side and put it around the edge - however, I would think this just might draw the toddlers attention to the hearth. I wouldn't spend time and money on cabinet locks for just a 3 week visit..maybe if there are a couple of cabinets the baby is drawn to, I would use a shoe lace to tie the knobs together ( you can easily undo the bow when you need to get it, but a toddler cant easily undo a bow). Maybe a few inexpensive outlet plugs if the kid is drwn to outlets...I wouldn't install a gate for a 3 week visit, but might ask the parents to bring a tension gate with them if there are any stairs that don't have doors. (or buy on cheap at a second hand store.

The best way to toddler proof, is put the kid in your house and just let him go and watch him, see what he is able to do and what he is drwn to - if he is bee lining for the cabinets, tie them, etc. One kid may be like mine and be a menace, and another may like to sit adn play quietly with toys on the floor. Don't over think it.

 

[christygobar]

I agree with the PP's who say to ask the parents what they are usually concerned about in their home. See if he has a specific place he goes to do some damage I also agree to just watch him play and only toddler proof as you see necessary!

My DD is 2 1/2 and has always been good about not touching outlets or getting into cabinets (although I have the important ones with meds and chemicals locked up!). But some kids are into everything

I just know to keep things up and out of her way that I don't want her playing with, so definitely move those breakables up. Keep doors closed to rooms you don't want him in.

Hopefully the parents can give you some direction and either offer to bring some of their childproofing supplies if necessary, or limit you to your purchases if you don't see a need to have them around all the time!

 

[kermit116]

Thanks so much for all the tips & kind words. I am hopeful that the parents will be watchful, but I am also mindful of the fact that we've got family reuniting at our home from (literally) different corners of the globe, so a big part of my motivation for toddler proofing is to avoid any unexpected disasters if/when various family members are deeply engrossed in conversation and the little one wanders. I work very long hours at my job, so unfortunately I will not be around most of the weekdays to help supervise the little one, and I just want to make sure I can do all I can to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable!

They are bringing a car seat, so hopefully they will know how to put it into our car since I have zero experience with these things. We've bought a few small toys, but now with these suggestions I might save one or two large boxes we received Christmas items in so that he can play in those. I do remember that when my siblings were very small, a big empty box was one of the best toys ever. Of course, we also grew up in the pre-computerized/iPad age

Any other suggestions anyone has are welcomed - and I especially appreciate all the budget-friendly suggestions (like using twine or rubberbands to tie the china cabinet closed - never would have thought of that!).

 

[Promomx2]

Good idea keeping the empty boxes. My gsn's favorite christmas toy at my house this year was the box with 4 books. He just like taking the books out and then putting them back in, he never opened the books. Also be prepared to find a place up high to put your tv remotes and your cell phones. They are big targets for the little ones.

 

[cornflake]

Thanks so much for all the tips & kind words. I am hopeful that the parents will be watchful, but I am also mindful of the fact that we've got family reuniting at our home from (literally) different corners of the globe, so a big part of my motivation for toddler proofing is to avoid any unexpected disasters if/when various family members are deeply engrossed in conversation and the little one wanders. I work very long hours at my job, so unfortunately I will not be around most of the weekdays to help supervise the little one, and I just want to make sure I can do all I can to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable!

They are bringing a car seat, so hopefully they will know how to put it into our car since I have zero experience with these things. We've bought a few small toys, but now with these suggestions I might save one or two large boxes we received Christmas items in so that he can play in those. I do remember that when my siblings were very small, a big empty box was one of the best toys ever. Of course, we also grew up in the pre-computerized/iPad age

Any other suggestions anyone has are welcomed - and I especially appreciate all the budget-friendly suggestions (like using twine or rubberbands to tie the china cabinet closed - never would have thought of that!).

If they're not sure how to install the seat into your car - they can stop by your local firehouse and ask.

At least here, they stress that people should stop by a firehouse to make sure their carseats are properly installed (because so many people don't install them correctly) - the firefighters know how to do it and will happily show you how and make sure it's done right. So, theoretically, this should work in your town. If not, I'm sure they'll tell you where to go to have it checked (like the ems station or whatever).