"Grandchild-Proofing" Inspection Checklist
Part 2 of a 2-Part Series In the June issue of Caring Right at Home ®, we took a look at some of the safety considerations grandparents should know before inquisitive young family members visit. The next step is to see if your home is a safe place for little visitors.  Give your home a room-by-room “grandchild-proofing” inspection before the next visit!
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 up-to-date, 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 latch 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. Some grandparents recommend having a designated “kid friendly” section of the house, keeping more dangerous areas locked off (for example, the home gym and garage). Be creative! If the living room has the fewest hazards, make it the playroom while you have visiting little ones.
Be open to suggestions! Don’t get your feelings hurt if your kids correct you. They’re Mom and Dad now, and they’ve probably done plenty of homework about childproofing. Be proud of them.
Having small visitors 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. Right at Home is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned, franchised providers of in-home care and assistance services.
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