Guide to Childproofing Your Apartment
Moving into a new home with your kids? Let’s take a look at the best ways of childproofing your apartment.
Moving into a new home with children is exciting! A new home means you can make the place your own. You can decorate it any way you want, pick out the perfect furniture and appliances, and settle in for years of family bonding. However, moving into a new place also comes with its challenges. One of them is making sure your kids stay safe as they explore their new surroundings. Take a look at some of our tips on childproofing your apartment so you can move in without stress.
Cover sharp corners with foam edge protectors
When it comes to toddlers, it's always a good idea to cover sharp corners with foam edge protectors. The floor is where kids play most of the time at home. Once you clean the carpets and the rest of the floors, you should consider the height of the furniture pieces that might be dangerous for them (like coffee tables). The best way to protect children from these dangerous edges is by installing foam edge protectors around them. These inexpensive accessories are easy to install and remove and come in various colors and sizes, so they'll match any interior design aesthetic you're going for. Finding the perfect fit is essential when finding furniture for your apartment. This is not just because you don't want anything too big blocking your path as you walk through hallways.
It's important to create a safe environment for your kids to play in.
Keep kids away from the stove with a safety knob cover
After moving into a new home with a toddler, you should keep in mind their safety in the kitchen. If you have a stove, it's essential to keep your kids away from it. The best way to accomplish this is by installing a knob cover on the stove. This way, even if your kid does get hold of the knob and turn it, there will be nothing for them to see or touch. Not only that, but if they try to turn it, they will likely find it difficult or impossible because of how sturdy these covers are! Now that we've covered how important it is to keep kids away from stoves (and why), let's take a look at some more specific safety measures:
- Make sure not to leave your child alone with the stove while you go shopping or run errands.
- Remove anything that could be used to reach the stove. This includes stools, plastic containers, or boxes. Children can get creative and use them to construct a makeshift ladder.
- Don't leave your child alone with the stove when you leave home and/or go outside for any reason whatsoever (even just going next door).
Secure appliances by anchoring them to the wall.
Anchoring appliances to the wall is a simple way of childproofing your apartment. Mounting hardware for this purpose is easy to install and inexpensive; it will only cost about $30 for everything you need. If you don't have a stud, anchors are available so that you can affix furniture onto drywall or cement bloc).
If you're going to anchor anything heavy, like an air conditioner or a refrigerator, buy two sets of mounting hardware. This way, they'll be secured at both ends of their respective devices. This will make them much less likely to fall over if something bumps into them and they move out of place.
An overcrowded home can be dangerous for small kids, so make sure to declutter every room.
Declutter your home
Everyone has excess items they keep forgetting to throw out. Over time they can cause clutter and pose a safety risk for your children. It would be best if you considered sorting out your inventory to make your home safer for your kids. Experts from Allstate Moving and Storage suggest finding affordable storage solutions to help you declutter your home. Once you clear out the space in your home, it will be easier to childproof every room.
Use a gate on stairways that lead to the basement or an upper level
You can use gates to keep kids out of rooms they're not allowed to enter. For example, if you have an office and don't want your child to get into it, put up a gate that keeps them out of the room. On the other hand, your toddler could be riding a balance bike or playing with a ball near the kitchen or your office. A gate will be the best way of childproofing any room in your apartment.
You can also use gates to keep your son or daughter from going down the stairs if you live in an apartment building with multiple levels. If there's no railing on the staircases, it's not safe for kids (or adults!) who might trip and fall over them. This is especially important for older children who are more likely than younger ones to run around without looking where they're going – especially if you have pets roaming around!
Tips for moving into a new home with children
Moving into a new home with children is an exciting time. However, when it comes to babyproofing your apartment, a new place can be a challenge. It's also a time when you should be extra vigilant about safety, especially if you're moving into an apartment or condo that's not currently kid-proofed. When moving into a new apartment or home, you should consider your kids' safety from day one. You should make sure to check for hazards and remove any before moving in, or even better, before making an offer on the property. You can do this by making some simple adjustments to your habits and installing safety fixtures like gates and locks.
You will feel way more relaxed after childproofing your apartment.
In conclusion
Moving into a new home can be stressful, but it's important to remember that you don't need to spend a fortune on childproofing products. You can start by looking around your apartment or house and seeing what you already have that will help keep your kids safe. Childproofing your apartment can be quick and easy, and most of the supplies you need are relatively affordable. If you need something special like a lock or cabinet latch, don't forget about Amazon Prime!