5 Home Maintenance Tips to Childproof Your Home

If you’re a new or expectant parent, you’ll have to make a bunch of adjustments to the way you live. Not only do you have to worry about things like saving up for college (gulp!), but you’ll have to make some changes to your house to ensure your child’s safety. Read on for a quick guide of home maintenance fixes you can make to childproof your home.

1.  Secure Windows for Easy Home Maintenance

Children love to explore windows, and that can cause some serious risks. They’ll climb furniture and press up against window screens, presenting quite a hazard. Move all climbable furniture away from windows, and you might want to install new windows that open at the top, so they’re out of reach of tiny prying hands.

2. Test All Smoke Detectors

You should always test smoke detectors on a regular basis, but it’s especially important to do so with children present. Make sure you have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your house, including the basement. Ideally, you’ll want them to be powered by both electricity and batteries, but regardless, it’s important that you check or switch out the batteries on a monthly basis.

3. Childproof All Pets

It’s not as bad as it sounds (you won’t need to bubble-wrap your dogs or anything), but you’ll have to take your pets into account when having children around. Pet food can carry bacteria, so feed your animals in child-free environments, and keep their food covered. If you apply anti-flea medication on them, do so at night, so the chemicals will have time to dry when a child is present.

4. Manage Air Quality

Small children can be especially sensitive to bad air. Adding air purifiers to your household can help prevent the spread of dust and allergens. Also, make sure your ductwork is inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

5. Only Have Child-Friendly Plants

It might not be something you think about, but there are common household plants that are poisonous. Also, steer clear of potting decorations and extras that can be dangerous. Things like gravel and marbles might be attractive, but they present choking hazards, and should be avoided.

If you need assistance childproofing your house, don’t hesitate to contact the pros at Handyman Connection of Mountain View, CA. Give us a call today for all your childproofing and home maintenance needs!