Many parents understand that toddlers like to explore their surroundings and don’t recognize hazards around them yet.
They’re still too young to understand the potential dangers of climbing on furniture, touching sharp objects, or putting random things in their mouths. And while you want to support your young child’s curiosity and development, you also want them to be safe. That said, you need to ensure that they have a safe environment where they can thrive, and these include their bedroom.
If you want to make your kids’ room a safe haven where they can sleep, play, and explore without unnecessary risks, consider the following tips.
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One of the first things you need to do to make a bedroom safe for your toddler is to secure the furniture, including bookshelves, dressers, and TV stands. For your kid, these furniture pieces may appear like something they can climb and play on. They don’t understand that these things can tip over if they climb on it. And since toddlers aren’t strong enough to lift the furniture by themselves, they can get trapped under it until you help them.
To prevent such accidents from happening, use furniture anchors or wall straps to secure heavy pieces of furniture in their room. This way, even if your little explorer climbs on it, it won’t fall onto them. If you have yet to furnish your child’s room, it may be helpful to search for second hand furniture that may already come with wall straps, brackets, edge protectors, and other childproofing devices that may have been used by the previous owner.
Conceal Window Blind Cords
Window blind cords and curtains can be a hazard for toddlers. They might get tempted to pull them or play with them, which can pose a significant strangulation risk. That said, it’s best to tie the curtains up or use cord cleats to keep them out of your child’s reach. You can use cordless blinds as a safer alternative.
Secure Doors and Windows
Childproof doors and handles to prevent little fingers from getting caught. You can use soft-close door stoppers to protect your child’s fingers from accidental door closures.
Bedroom windows can be another source of danger, especially if the room is on the upper floors. Your child might crawl through and fall. That said, ensure that your toddler can’t access the windows or open them too wide. Also, keep furniture away from the windows and install window guards or stops to prevent falls.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment
Even if your toddler is resting, you should still consider their safety. That said, choose a bed or crib that meets current safety standards. Check for any brand recalls and make sure the mattress fits snugly with no gaps that could trap your child.
Additionally, make sure there’s no loose bedding, as this can pose a suffocation risk if it covers your kid’s face while sleeping. Remove any small pillows or stuffed animals during bedtime, too.
Cover Electric Outlets
For toddlers, electrical outlets can be intriguing. They might try to stick their fingers or other items into the hole, which can lead to them suffering an electric shock. To keep your child safe, use childproofing outlet covers or caps on all accessible outlets.
Manage Electrical Cords
As with window blind cords, many young children may also think of electrical cords as toys. Make sure to use cord concealers to keep wires from any electric appliances out of your kid’s reach. Also, ensure that small appliances like desk lamps and white-noise machines are securely placed on top of furniture like a table so that they can’t be knocked over.
Remove Small Objects in the Room
Toddlers love to explore the world through their mouths, making them susceptible to choking hazards. To minimize this risk, keep small objects like coins, buttons, beads, and small toys out of your child’s reach. Keep in mind that anything that can fit through a toilet paper tube can pose a choking hazard.
Additionally, ensure that your toddler’s toys are age-appropriate. They must not have small parts that can be detached easily. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect their toys for loose parts.
Continue Childproofing
Even if you think you’ve put all the best childproofing measures in place, take note that it’s a continuous process. As your child grows, new risks may emerge based on the changes in their abilities. One way you can continue making their bedroom safe is by putting yourself in your kid’s shoes. Get down to your child’s eye level to identify any dangers that may not be immediately apparent to adults.
Educate Caregivers
If you’re not around and will be asking loved ones, babysitters, or other caregivers to look after your child, make sure to keep them informed of relevant safety measures. Let them know of these safety measures in place in the room and ensure that they understand the importance of adhering to safety rules. Remember, consistency is key to ensuring your child’s safety.
Wrapping Up
Creating a safe bedroom for your toddler is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. It requires regularly assessing your child’s environment and identifying new risks that arise as they grow and develop their abilities. By following these comprehensive safety measures, you can prevent accidents and ensure your toddler has a safe bedroom to grow, play, and rest.
