How to Toddler-Proof Your House

Cover your outlets. There is a reason that shape-sorter games are so popular with toddlers ̵1; because they like to try to figure out what shape can fit into what space. To a young tot, an electrical outlet is just another shape that is meant to be matched with an object. Mom̵7;s keys? Sure. Dinner spoon? Yep. As such, it is absolutely essential that all the empty outlets in your home are covered with plastic covers. You can opt for a basic plastic plug that sets directly in the socket, or you can install fancier outlet covers that you must slide over to reveal the sockets.

Secure electrical cords. Cords attached to lamps, appliances and electronic devices can also present a hazard to your little one. If he grabs onto one and yanks hard enough, he can pull an object down on top of himself and become seriously injured. Don̵7;t leave wires trailing across floors, as he could trip and fall. If possible, secure electrical cords to the wall with wire ties or by tacking them to your baseboards or under the carpeting, and put away appliances, such as irons or laptops, when they̵7;re not being used.

Properly mount flat-screen televisions. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, a child is sent to the emergency room every 45 minutes from a falling television. Because of their wide, thin bodies, flat-screen TVs are notoriously top-heavy and therefore pose an imminent safety threat to your little one. If you own any flat-screen televisions, be sure they are properly mounted to the wall with brackets, following the manufacturers instructions. If your TV is not wall-mounted, make sure it is placed on a low, heavy piece of furniture and mounted to the back of the wall using straps. Televisions of any type or size should never be placed on tall pieces of furniture, such as a chest of drawers, that a child could climb.

Secure top-heavy furniture, cabinets, drawers and doors. To a toddler, dressers, shelves and dining room chairs can appear to be just other forms of playground equipment. To keep large pieces of furniture from toppling over on your little one, be sure to use furniture straps to secure them to the wall. Keep your tot from turning your kitchen drawers into a makeshift ladder by installing latches on each one. To protect your kiddos from getting their hands injured from dangerous chemicals or objects, such as cleaning supplies and knives, install latches on all your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and install special latches or covers on door handles -- especially on exterior doors ̵1; so your child doesn̵7;t run outside or into the street.

Guard the stairs. Install safety gates at the tops and bottoms of your stairs. Do not allow your tot to climb on the stairs unless you are right behind him. Be sure your banisters are fitted properly to the wall, and help your child learn how to hold onto one as he ascends or descends the stairs. That goes for parents, too ̵1; always hold onto the railing when you̵7;re carrying your toddler up or down the stairs.