How to Quickly Babyproof Your House for Your Grandchild

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (5 Ratings)

When your grandkids come to visit, all those fragile, pretty things on low shelves and tables can be a nightmare for everyone. For a more enjoyable visit, follow these tips for making your home baby-friendly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Children's Books
  • Twist Ties
  • Corner Guards
  • Outlet Covers
  • Chidren's Toys

Step1
Move treasured figurines and crystal ornaments out of reach of little hands, preferably before your grandchildren see them and want to play with them.
Step2
Take a quick tour of the area where the children will be. It's best to get down on your hands and knees if possible; this will allow you to see possible hazards from a child's level.
Step3
Move houseplants out of reach. Not only can they be toxic, they also provide a great opportunity for babies or toddlers to make a mess or injure themselves with a falling pot.
Step4
Make sure that bags or purses containing medication are out of reach.
Step5
Close the bathroom door and lower the toilet lid. This reduces the risk of drowning and eliminates the opportunity for toddlers to lock themselves in the bathroom.
Step6
Close outside doors and doors to other rooms within the house; this makes it much easier to keep track of children who tend to wander.
Step7
Keep toys and books around for your grandchildren to enjoy. This will make them less likely to get into other things.
Step8
Help your grandchildren's parents supervise the kids. There's no substitute for adult attention and supervision.

Tips & Warnings

  • Invest in a few simple plastic outlet covers, doorknob covers and table-corner guards; these can be put on and taken off in a couple of seconds, and can minimize the risk of electrical shock and injury.
  • Learn whether your grandchildren have food allergies, and ask for a list of appropriate snacks; allergy attacks are common when children eat unfamiliar foods.
  • Watch out for dangling blind and curtain cords - tie them out of reach with a twist-tie or piece of string.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 An expandable gate to block stairs, both top & bottom - kids can move FAST!

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eHow Article:  How to Quickly Babyproof Your House for Your Grandchild

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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