The experts from Childproofers have put together their top 20 tip list – probably the easiest childproofing step parents can take, because these are day-to-day habit changes. Before you begin installing preventative tools and equipment, take careful note of this list. Print out a copy and stick on your refrigerator with tape (see tip #3) as a reminder. If you have any comments or tips of your own that you’d like to share with other parents, drop us a line.

01 _ Tall lamps or anything taller than your child that can be pulled over should be taken out of the child’s environment or blocked off with furniture so that your child cannot get into it.

02 _ Poisons should not be kept under the sink, regardless of whether or not the cabinet is childproofed. Poisons should always be kept in upper cabinets, out of your child’s reach.

03 _ Magnets on refrigerators are not a good idea. If they fall on the floor, your child could put it in his or her mouth and choke on it.

04 _ When cooking, all pot handles should be turned in so your baby does not reach up and pull the handle. If possible, use your back burners first.

05 _ Hanging cords from  phones, lamps, and appliances should be out of your child’s reach.

06 _ Wall hangings should never be put over the crib. If you child pulls it down, nails could come loose and fall into the crib.not to mention having the glass break in the crib.

07 _ Mobiles should be removed when your child is 5-7 months old. Children can pull the mobile down and the little strings from the mobile can be wrapped around your child’s finger and cause injury.

08 _ Cords to blinds should be eliminated from the home. Children can pull the cords and could be accidentally strangled.

9 _ Turn your hot water heater down below 120 degrees to prevent scalding.

10 _ Pet doors should be blocked off so your baby does not go through the door. Babies tend to follow animals outdoors.

11 _ A baby must never be left unattended – even for just one minute – outside or in a bathtub.

12 _ Your garage must be off limits to children.

13 _ Do not use tacks or staples to secure electrical cords to walls. They can fall or be pulled out and swallowed.

14 _ Keep all emergency phone numbers (including poison control center) near all telephones.

15 _ Keep a first aid kit in the home for the whole family.

16 _ Remove the gas jet key from the fireplace and put it out of reach so your child does not accidentally turn on the gas.

17 _ The white plastic cap on a doorstop is a potential choking hazard. Either remove the cap, glue it on with liquid nails, or replace with a solid, one piece doorstop.

18_ Small infants can drown in just a few inches of water. Use toilet locks on all toilets. If you choose not to use a toilet lock, then at least keep the lid down and close the door.

POISONOUS PLANTS Angel’s Trumpet / Apple Seed / Arrowhead / Autumn Crocus / Azalea / Baneberry / Bittersweet / Black / Locust / Bleeding Heart / Blue Flag / Buttercup /Caladium / Castor Bean / Cherry, Black / Christmas Rose / Daffodil / Daphne / Dieffenbachia / Dumbcane / Dutchman’s Breeches / Elderberry / English Ivy / Four O’Clock / Foxglove / German Iris / Golden Chain / Holly / Horse Chestnut / Hyacinth / Hydrangea / Inkberry / Iris / Jack-In-The-Pulpit / Jequirity Bean / Jimsonweed / Jonquil / Larkspur / Lily of the Valley / March Marigold / Milkweed / Mistletoe / Monkshood / Moonseed / Morning Glory / Moses In The Boat / Mother-In-Law’s Plant / Narcissus / Nettle / Nightshade / Oak Tree / Oleander / Pansy / Peach Seed / Peony / Philodendron /Poinsettia / Poison Hemlock / Poison Ivy / Pokeberry, Pokeweed / Yew

POISONOUS SUBSTANCES COMMONLY FOUND AROUND THE HOME AND IN THE GARAGE:

Atropine and Belladonna

Nitroglycerine

Salicylates

Acetaminophen

Iron

Boric Acid

Camphor

Strychnine

Potassium Permanganate

Chloral Hydrate

Lead Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Tetrachloride

Methyl Chloroform

Trichloroethylene

Benzene

Kerosene and Other Petroleum Distillates

Ant and Roach Preparations

Rat Poisons

Insecticides

Garden Sprays

Organophosphate Insecticides

Cyanide Methyl Alcohol