Every parent will be familiar with the struggle of trying to keep an eye on their children at all times, but it is simply impossible to watch them every second of every day. All it takes is a moment and they’ll be off again, leaving you to rush after them to try and prevent bumped heads or trapped fingers.

Despite all the potential hazards that may suddenly appear to you as a parent, creating a safe and secure home environment for them to live, play and learn in isn’t impossible. And there are a few quick and simple ways you can put your mind at ease, without negatively impacting their development.

1) Soften the edges

Even those who aren’t parents will have felt the inward jolt of the heart as a child’s head narrowly misses the sharp corner of a table end. While children will always run around and explore despite your worries, there are ways to make your rooms a little safer, and softer.

For their bedroom in particular, try shopping for furniture that has rounded corners or can have cushioned covers clipped over the edges to prevent any bumps or mishaps. Extra cushioning around their bed or crib is also a good idea, just in case they roll out in their sleep or decide to try their hand at climbing.

2) Dim the lights

Every parent, whether it’s their first or their third, understands that bedtime can become a nightmare before their little heads have even hit the pillow. As we move through summer, one of the biggest barriers against a good night’s sleep is the daylight still streaming in through the curtains.

A recent survey conducted by Budget Blinds discovered that 20% of people would install blackout blinds in order to improve their night-time slumber. For children, who may wake at the slightest disturbance, adding blackout blinds to their bedroom can help ease them back into a natural sleeping routine so they get all the rest they need. Blackout blinds may also help act as a barrier against the outside world for your child, giving them an illusion of safety and protection from any “monsters” lurking in their imagination.

Naturally, all parents will worry about their child’s safety when it comes to adding something new to their bedroom, however these blinds can be fitted with a cord safety fixing. Of course, parents still need to do their bit to keep little ones out of trouble by discouraging climbing on the windowsills, but even the most nervous first-time parents can sleep soundly knowing their children are safe.

3) Cover and close

Dealing with open cupboards and uncovered plug sockets are two of the quickest ways that you can make your whole house a little safer for children. Plug protectors are inexpensive and cupboard catches are incredibly easy to install. All you need is a few minutes, some simple tools and your little one’s fingers will be protected until they know better.

4) Teach them

As parents, there are so many things that you will have to teach your children; you need to convince them to eat their vegetables, share their toys, not to mention abiding by a whole host of rules on how to keep themselves safe. While it’s important to remind them to look both ways when they cross the street, don’t let safety in the home take a back seat. Whilst a bump on the head will deter them, be proactive in your approach by warning them of the risks involved with climbing on furniture or playing under the dining table. While they will probably go ahead and do it anyway, a pre-emptive warning may help avoid accidents.

Short of wrapping them from head to toe in bubble wrap, there is only so much that a parent can do. It’s virtually impossible to remove every single potential danger from your home, unless you prefer empty rooms, but there are some quick and easy ways to make each room safer. From plug protectors in the bedroom and childproof locks on the cupboards to simply talking to them, you can take steps to protect your little ones.

Further Reading:

http://www.rospa.com/campaigns-fundraising/current/blind-cord/ 

Image created:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattgrommes/151563078/