Child Safety Checklist for Grandparents

Joyce Remy, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Give your home a room-by-room "grandchild-proofing" inspection.

Home safety should be a top priority for every older adult. And if your grandchildren live with you, or are just paying a visit, an extra set of precautions should be on your list.

All Areas of the Home:

• Try to "think like a child." What can little ones reach? What could fit in a baby's mouth? To guard against choking hazards, remove any small objects within the child's reach. Don't forget wastebaskets.
• All electrical outlets and plugs should have approved safety covers.
• Check for any peeling paint that could be ingested.
• Place protective padding on sharp edges of furniture.
• The cord pulls of blinds and curtains are a strangulation hazard; trim them, or secure them high out of reach.
• Have a first aid kit on hand, and know the telephone number of poison control, police and fire departments.

Stairways

• Place a safety gate at top and bottom of stairs.
• If necessary, block off side rails and banisters with mesh or other protective covering.

Kitchen

• Place childproof safety latches and locks on drawers, cabinets, dishwasher, stove.
• Secure all sharp objects in drawers.
• Place all cleaning supplies and other hazardous substances out of reach.
• Keep dishwasher closed and latched.
• While cooking, never leave children unsupervised.
• Use back burners first, and turn pot handles towards rear of stove.
• Keep refrigerator magnets out of reach.

Bathroom

• Never leave a small child unattended in the bathtub, even for a moment.
• Install a scald guard in the tub.
• Install safety latches on toilet, cabinets, medicine chest.
• Keep soap out of reach.
• Make sure no electrical appliances are near sink, tub or toilet.
• Keep all medications out of reach of children—in childproof containers, if possible.

Bedrooms

• Keep dry cleaning bags and other plastic bags out of reach.
• Lock windows, or install window guards.
• Be sure baby's crib is safety-approved, and position it away from window coverings and heaters.

Exercise Room

• Keep area locked off if possible.
• Keep weights out of reach.
• Remember that treadmills, stationary bikes, etc., have moving parts that can cause serious injury.

Garage

• Make garage off-limits, if possible.
• Keep power tools, chemicals and cleaners locked away.
• Automatic garage door should automatically reverse when making contact with an object, so that a child can't become trapped.

Back Yard

• Hot tubs and pools should have safety barriers.
• Never leave a child alone near pool or hot tub, even for a moment.
• Decks should be protected with mesh netting or acrylic.
• Don't let child near barbecue grill.

Having youngsters in the house is a lot more fun when you don't have to follow them around with a constant chorus of "No, no, no." Take these steps and enjoy your grandchildren while keeping them safe. And remember: no gadgets or modifications can take the place of close supervision of children.

© 2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners