Every year, toddlers and young children are injured due to accidents in and around the home. It’s almost impossible to keep an eye on your child at all times, and children explore whatever space they’re in.
You may want to think about the potential hazards they could find.
The good news (and there’s no bad news): fixing common problem areas is easy and relatively cheap.
Here are 7 tips to help you child-proof your home:
1. Use safety latches and locks for cabinets.
Cabinets may have fragile glass objects, sharp metal blades, or dangerous chemicals. Having locks or safety latches on your cabinets will help keep them out of your child’s hands even if you’re not watching.
2. Use door knob covers and door locks.
You may have rooms with dangerous or heavy equipment. Sometimes it’s just easier to lock these rooms instead of finding ways to conceal all of those items.
3. Use corner and edge bumpers.
Some homes have a lot of sharp edges and corners, on furniture and countertops. Having soft bumpers in place will help prevent injuries if your child happens to fall on one of them.
4. Use outlet covers and outlet plates.
Wall sockets are small but dangerous. About 100 children die every year by electrocution. Your child may have wet hands, a small metal object, and curiosity; exposed electrical outlets are not something to add into the mix.
5. Use safety gates.
Not only do these keep children out of rooms with hazards, they also keep them from falling down stairs and steps.
6. Use window guards and safety netting.
Whether you’re on a first floor or upper level, falling out of a window or through a seemingly solid screen is dangerous for a small child. Install these safety features to prevent falls not just from windows, but also from landings, balconies and decks.
7. Use anchors for heavy furniture and appliances.
Children tend to lean on and climb things. Using wall anchors can help keep heavy items like televisions and book cases from falling on them. Living in earthquake country, furniture straps can help keep heavy items secure when things start shaking. Providing a safer environment for your child is one of the many responsibilities you have as a parent, and a bit of focused effort can go a long way.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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