good first start is
babyproofing the kitchen.
"Secure your drawers and cabinets. Don't leave any chemicals under the sink or anything like that. Try to store them up in the cabinet or somewhere high where the kids can't reach them. Never store anything that can break, because kids can cut themselves. At the same time, you can use safety gadgets to prevent the kids from opening the drawers and bottom cabinets," Martinez says.
As your kitchen becomes more accomodating to child safety, you can then start looking at the children's bedrooms. Martinez talked to us about cribs and child safety.
"That is the safest place. If you have a toddler, keep it lowered for a child of two-years-old. After two years, children can climb down from the crib, so be careful," Martinez says.
Along with cribs and beds, toy in the children's bedrooms should be looked at for child safety. Martinez recommends certain toys over others for every age.
"They can play with balls. They can play with toys that don't have anything pointed or sharp in them. Anything with wheels, they can put in their mouth and choke, if under the age of five," Martinez says.
Along with your child's bedroom, child safety measures should be carried over into the bathroom. Martinez says many people overlook this area of the house.
"Never leave the kids in a bathtub or restroom by themselves. Never leave children in the restroom by themselves to answer the phone or for any other reason. You never leave them alone, because the child can drown in a matter of seconds," Martinez says.
Another critical area to look at is the living room. This is an area the family spends a lot of time in. Martinez says babyproofing your living room should be a top priority. She also says when buying new furniture choose pieces that promote child safety.
"If possible, do not to keep anything with glass. Don't buy glass end tables or tables with sharp edges, Martinez says."
Martinez says carpet also makes for a nice addition to your home, because your child will eventually fall. The carpet can help reduce your child's injuries and help increase child safety in your home.
As for garages, parents either need to keep the door locked or make sure to store all chemicals where a child cannot climb up and grab them.
In the end, Martinez says childproofing is a big task to undertake, and it can be tedious. However, she says there is nothing more imporant than your child's safety. Babyproof your home into a no-worry zone.