Tips to Make your Home Suitable for Children
It is amazing how a child in the house can totally transform the atmosphere of the living space. As the home resonates with the sounds of mirthful laughter, playful giggles and heart-wrenching cries of the baby, one is reminded of the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for the child.
Kids are inquisitive by nature and this makes them accident-prone. So how do you ensure that you have a child-friendly home where the little one remains safe while she moves around the house, playing, entertaining herself and indulging in her miniature treasure-hunts?
All it takes is some vigilance on your part and of course, a little bit of extra care to make your home a safe haven where the child is free to explore and discovers to her heart’s content. It is not an intimidating task if you are prepared to look around your living space from the point-of-view of your baby, and identify possible danger spots. The aim is to child-proof your home while making it child-friendly.
A Place for Everything –
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the added responsibility of child care. Your house will suddenly seem more cluttered. There will be less free space around the home as you make place for the child’s toys, clothes and other supplies.
The trick is to organize the home and yourself as early as possible.
Designate a place for everything so that you can control the clutter and avoid having too many things strewn around the house for your child to trip and fall on.
Your Baby’s Personal Space –
Having a nursery for your baby is ideal. However, if that is not possible due to space constraints, you can personalize a special space in your living room or any other bright and safe spot as your baby’s play area. Place the child’s favourite toys here along with some comfortable, child-friendly furniture and watch how your child keeps herself busy and occupied.
This space doesn’t have to be large or grand, but it should be cosy, inviting and secure for your baby; slowly your baby will recognize it as her spot and will enjoy spending time here.
Eliminate Possible Dangers and Manage Danger-Spots –
Take a look around your home and identify possible dangers. Next, take corrective steps.
Usually, within the house, your child needs to be shielded from sharp corners, sharp objects, exposed electrical outlets and wires, slippery floors as well as cramped areas.
Here are some simple things you can do to prevent accidents –
- Opt for concealed wiring
- Cover all electrical outlets
- Remove hanging wires and chords
- Put away any sharp or pointed objects from easy reach.
- If you have potted plants, place them on elevated surfaces so that your child cannot reach up to them.
- Replace any open dustbins in the house with ones that have a lid / cover on top. Kids are inquisitive and like to discover. So try keeping the dustbins out of sight, if possible.
Training Older Siblings –
When there are more children in the house, especially older ones, it is crucial to train them well. Kids often leave their toys around the house, making it easy for the little one to trip and fall. Talk to your older kids and teach them to clean up after themselves.
If you talk to them one-on-one and explain to them their responsibility as an older and mature sibling, they will enjoy acting like one and will even assist you in taking care of the younger one.
As a parent or guardian, it is your job to ensure that the child remains safe at all times without restricting her movement or curbing her desires to discover, learn, experiment and grow.
Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Did any of my tips help you to make your home child-friendly?
Share your comments with me below.
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