What have you personally done to child-proof your home?

Question

Sometimes I wonder if I have gone a bit "overboard" in the child-proofing department, but I've always been of of the belief that it is better to let a child roam her home freely, without constantly having to be told "No! No! No!" And I think that by making her environment safe and kid-friendly, it has really made her into a very independent little kid (she's 22 months old).

But lately, I'm wondering if it would be better to have LESS child-proofing in the home, so she would learn what she *IS* and *IS NOT* allowed to do -- instead of just keeping it all out of her reach.

I find that we have a lot of problems when we visit other people's houses. She wants to get into everything & doesn't understand why she can't run around like she normally does at home. Does that mean it's time to remove some of the things I've installed so she'll learn this?

And what have you personally done in your own home to child-proof? Do you think you have too much, too little or just the right amount?

Answer 1

I put away or covered up anything that could hurt my child. For example outlet plugs in the outlets, cords from mini blinds up, gate in front of the rabbit cage, etc. If there's nothing that won't break my heart if my child breaks it, choke, scratch, or harm her in any way, I've left it out. This way, too, I feel that she learns the meaning of "NO".

Answer 2

I think child-proofing in most aspects is a great thing. But when I see a child being protected from everything, it does draws concern. One concern would be whether or not the child is being watched effeciently. I don't feel like children should be aloud to just roam free in places where they can get into things that might harm them even if there has been child-proofing. What if the child-proofing isn't good enough? I feel mommys should always be watching in those places. Ex. kitchen, gargage, outside......
In one of my own experiences I quickly learned kids are fast learners. I once bought child-proof door knob covers. These worked only until my son watched me open the door so many times he learned how to squeeze the knob and let himself in. This is one of a few of my own child-proofing failures.
Ultimately, I stopped using most of them and decided to do what you suggested teaching my kids what was their territory and what was off limits. Its working good so far! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

My daughter is almost a year old and I have childproofed to an extent... I just made sure to do the cabinets and drawers so she can't hurt herself with anything in the kitchen, outlet covers, making sure there are no electric cords she can get to... that kind of stuff. I don't need baby gates or anything like that, we have a two bedroom apartment so there's not a whole bunch of places to go anyway lol. I didn't bother baby-proofing the bathroom because it's so small there isn't room for her in there and there's no reason for her to be in there anyway, aside from bathtime! You could probably remove a few baby-proofing items if you wanted, just to help teach boundaries and stuff like that. Maybe kitchen cabinets that have things like plastic bowls and tupperware. I wouldn't worry about it too much!

Answer 4

I'm the opposit from you, I haven't childproofed half of what I want. Basically I have only removed access to electricity and anything small and or breakable that can be removed.

I have rubbermaids stacked in front of my book case because my basement is *still* under renovations and I can't move the bookcase or books and I have a limit to how many times a day I can say no. That being said my son does know that he can't touch the mouse, for example, though I have to tell him 2-3 times a day.

II think what you have done is fine, I am sure your daughter knows no (no hitting, no biting, no scratching etc) and it isn't unreasonable for there to be different rules for different places.

Answer 5

Kids need to have limits, and need to know what they can and cannot touch. You are coming to a realization that most parents never figure out. Yes, keep things out that you don't want your child to touch, so you can tell them No! Ok, don't put anything out that will harm them, and I'd still put plastic plugs in the electrical sockets. Your life will be MUCH easier when kids learn what they can and can't touch, and when they learn to respect and listen for your No! If you never tell your child No, why are they going to listen to you when you yell it as they're running into the street into the path of a car?

Answer 6

I haven’t child-proofed much. It think it is important for children to learn rules as early as possible as this makes things easier later.

My rule of child proofing is that you should leave everything as it is except for something that you really cherish and would be devastated if your child broke it.

I know it’s easier not having to worry about them touching everything all the time but I think you should be able to put some “no-touching” items out maybe a little at a time. Also keep in mind that your daughter is getting bigger and is going to start reaching and grabbing things off the counters. This includes your knives while you’re cooking and your hot coffee. It’s for her well-being also that you teach her to not touch some things.

We made our downstairs living room kid-friendly by making their toys the display items on the entertainment centre, but they know in mommy & daddy’s living room what to touch and what not to.

The time to teach your child how to behave properly is as soon as possible and at home.

Answer 7

I raised 3 children, and now I am raising grandchildren. I never childproofed my home, but I was always alert to what children were doing.
Childproofing is good for some people. If you think you went overboard, change it. Slack off a little. You need to do what is comfortable for you and your child and not worry about what other families do.

Answer 8

I semi-agree inclusive of your aunt. I grew up while no longer something grew to become into baby evidence. In my journey that's impossible to absolutely baby evidence any residing house. some young babies can get into belongings you may by no skill even think of might activity them. I actually have a three yo grandson who I have faith thoroughly for the reason which you may clarify issues to him. My SIL has a 2 yo granddaughter I affectionately consult from via fact the "wrecking team!" the baby has no concern and an a** of leather-based. along with her all you're able to do is positioned each and every thing up out of attain and pray she by no skill learns to climb. So i think of the terrific innovations-set is the blended innovations-set. get rid of the obtrusive sources of threat yet then save an intensive eye on the baby and each and every time they mess with something they shouldn't tell them no and faucet their hand or butt.