Monday, April 04, 2016

#AtoZChallenge- C is for 'Child Proofing'


Up until recently we have usually had mothers, nannies and  grandparents serve as child 'proofers'  in this country. They quietly follow the little guys around and reduce any risk of danger.  

Then there is that high-pitched- mad-woman scream that will stop any toddler in its tracks. It always works. 

But today, I wonder if any of us have this kind of patience. And there are always those irresistible Facebook updates and WhatsApp messages to catch up on. So maybe child proofing may be a good idea after all.

Source: Pinterest.com
You don't need to worry about infants. All they do is lie there, stare at the ceiling, gurgle and look angelic. But by the time they start crawling they suddenly transform into little gremlins exploring their new found territory. 

What's interesting is that their mischief is not really mischief but the most organic way of seeing this new world (at a height of about 2 feet from the ground) and even though half the time you may be screaming 'No!' or 'Don't!', it makes you wonder about this magnificent thing called 'discovery'. You also suddenly discover how home sweet home is a potential danger zone!


Corners are sharp. Socket holes are just the right size for their little fingers. The toilet bowl is of optimum height for a quick wash. Anything pea sized fits into the nostril. Wires can strangle. Sharpest things appear first when a drawer is opened...
 
Personally, I think the best way to child proof the house is to dress them in a base ball helmet with soft padding and a sleep suit made of bubble wrap. And then keep them in the play pen. 

OK maybe that is too much. 

There's a ton of stuff you can get from stores. But here are few easy things to do...

  • Limit the space. Lock/close the rooms that are not required.
  • Lock shelves and drawers that have locks
  • Rearrange some furniture to hide wires or sockets. 
  • Move cleaning supplies, toiletries and medicines to top racks
  • Hide the pretty curios.
  • Get a play pen. 
  • Learn as you go. Your child will show you new danger zones.  







17 comments:

  1. we were too immature when our kids were young, may be we will learn when grand-kids com

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  2. Tell me about it... seen it all with my nieces :-)

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    1. And the best part is they find something new everyday!

      Good to have to come by Archana!

      Seena
      Thinking Aloud

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  3. Moving breakable curios to a higher shelf.. protects both the kid and the curios! We had a saying that young kids "raise the standard of living"- so this is how it happens - literally :)
    Good tips!
    @yenforblue from
    Spice of Life!

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    1. Ha ha that is hilarious! :) Thanks Archana!

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  4. Great tips, some used when child was that crawling gremlin, and some learnt the hard way. Also, it helps pack your bookcase tight so that they cannot draw out your beloved volumes and start ripping. In my house, no top shelves are ever empty enough!!

    Btw, your signature link on my blog is not working, just thought I'll let you know.

    Nilanjana
    Madly-in-Verse

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    1. Hi Nilanjana, thanks for letting me know about the signature.. I think I fixed it now. And oh yes.. the ripping and the writings on the wall will be featured in one of the later posts... but yes.. its really painful...

      :)

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  5. Practical tips, Seena. Like your writing style, both satire and humour :)

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    1. Thank you Ravish... Good to have you come by

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  6. Good observations and tips.

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  7. once had a job working with the kids in a women's shelter..my colleague noticed a 3/4 year old making a connection between a sink full of water and an electric socket, with a plastic tube- she noticed it in time...just!

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    1. Ouch! That sounds really scary. Glad they got there in time... Thanks for coming by Zannierose :)

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  8. I remember when my niece and nephew were little that is one nice thing about them being teenagers now. Though my dog has recently gone blind so now I'm "doggie-proofing" the house in much the same way as I did for when the kids would come over. Donna at Girl Who Reads

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    1. Hi Donna,
      I think we wait for kids to grow up and then sometimes wish they were little again.. :) Sorry to hear about your dog. That must involve a lot of care... taking care of your dog.
      Thanks for coming by..:)

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  9. I remember when my niece and nephew were little that is one nice thing about them being teenagers now. Though my dog has recently gone blind so now I'm "doggie-proofing" the house in much the same way as I did for when the kids would come over. Donna at Girl Who Reads

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