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A big part of preparing for a new addition to the family entails safety precautions, and as baby grows so does the odds of little accidents happening.
And as much as those first steps are long-awaited, excitement may turn to worry as parents are soon turned on to all the new ways their toddler could potentially hurt themselves.
While harmless to adults, so many everyday items in the home can cause serious injury.
A 2017 US study found that between 1990 and 2015, 17 000 small children sustained injuries as a result of blinds. Blinds!
Thankfully, there are endless options to toddler-proofing your home and we found a few parent-recommended items you might find handy.
What are your top safety tips for parents of toddlers? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Here's a look at what's out there:
1. Cordless blinds
Combine a curious mind with a growing body and grabby hands, and it's easy to see how blinds could be dangerous. Cordless blinds mean no dangling parts to grab and they look a little nicer than regular blinds.
There are a variety of cordless options like the one in the video above.
Pricing varies, with the most cost-effective starting at around $27,20 (R387,25).
Cost: $27,20 - $68.00 via Amazon
2. The Stair Barrier
For most people, childproofing their staircase involves using a gate of some sort to keep this potentially dangerous area off limits, but these have proven to be easy to get around, especially for little ones who have recently mastered climbing skills.
This nifty invention is made of fabric, keeping the gated part out of sight and out of reach for little hands. Its structure is made up of plastic struts and is solid enough to stand but flexible enough that it's also foldable.
It can be installed between stair posts or from stair post to wall, and is ideal for non-traditionally designed stairs.
Cost: $159.99 via Amazon
3. DECCO the Toddler Monitor
Seeing what's behind the door might be your toddler's new favourite game. It's normal for them to want to explore their environment, and that may include wandering into different parts of the home without you knowing.
The DECCO monitor is a smart device that you can place on any doorknob in your home. It syncs up with your phone via an app and notifies you every time a door is opened.
It's perfect for toddlers who tend to wander at night.
Cost: $89.99 via Amazon
- Also see: 5 ways to keep your busy toddler safe
4. Furniture and Anti Tip TV Safety Straps
To your child, furniture may seem like fun toys to climb onto and grab at, and the potential for large items to tip over is very real.
These anti-tip safety straps come with jaw grip plates that can be screwed onto walls, and adjustable buckles to ensure items like TV screens, cabinets and dressers stay in place.
Cost: R 760 via Wantitall.co.za
5. Elf Star Furniture Edge Bumper Guard
Speaking of cabinets and dressers, we never really realise just how sharp the corners of these items can be until an accident happens.
These furniture guards are made of high-density foam, are easy to install and can keep your tot safe from nasty injuries.
Cost: $9.90 via Amazon
6. Dreambaby SA Outlet Plug Covers
Discovering just how fun it is to have hands means sticking them into a few treacherous places, and electric outlets are no exception.
Safely cover all unused electric outlets in your home with these plastic covers.
Cost: R40 via Takealot.com
7. MumOpto - smart door stop
There are quite a few inventions that prevent your toddler from closing a door but not many that address that space between a door and its hinges.
This smart door stop is great because it not only keeps little fingers from being slammed on by a closing door but also safeguards against hands accidentally getting stuck between the door and hinges. Ouch!
Cost $29.90 via Mumopto.com
8. Kidkusion Kid Safe Banister Guard
If the staircase in your home is designed with little gaping spaces, you'll find the Safe Banister Guard super useful.
The clear solid plastic material comes with tie straps that keep the guard in place, making it impossible for your tot to put their hands through railings.
Cost: $24.17 via Amazon
What are your top safety tips for parents of toddlers? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Read more:
- WATCH: 9 dangerous things parents do when bathing their baby
- Parent's guide: What to teach your preschooler about internet safety
- Can you “abduct-proof” your kids?
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