Guest article from abodo.com

The average size of an apartment in the United States is 889 square feet. Whether you live in an average-sized place, smaller options like these ones, for example, or a larger apartment, the most important thing you can do is to make your home kid-friendly.

Kid-Friendly Means Safety Comes First

Depending on the age of the building you live in, there may be safety issues you were not even cognizant of before you had children. Children are curious–which is a good thing–but exploring beyond your apartment’s walls can mean danger for someone too young to recognize the potential hazards. Check the locks on all exterior doors, especially patio doors, to make sure the locks cannot be reached or turned by a small child. If you live above the first floor this is imperative. Additional locking mechanisms should be added to patio doors and at no time should a child be left on a patio by themselves.

Cleaning Supplies and Plants

Many of the cleaning supplies we have in our home are so toxic that a skull and crossbones symbol and the telephone number for the National Poison Control Center are printed on the labels. A good option would be to switch to greener, less toxic cleaning solutions but even those should not be ingested by children. Install childproof locks on all cupboards that house chemicals. Do not bring toxic plants into your home if you have small children. Read the labels on any new plant that piques your interest and re-check the plants you have using websites like  Houseplant 411, or The Spruce.

Pharmaceuticals

If anyone in your household takes prescription medication, keep it in a locked cupboard or box. Children love to open things just to have a little taste. You would be surprised at how clever and determined they are when it comes to opening bottles. The same thing applies to ointments, creams and everyday pain remedies like aspirin and Tylenol. If an item could be toxic keep it locked up.

Furniture and Appliances

According to information provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to Consumer Reports, every 17 minutes an injury occurs in the U.S. as a result of tipping furniture, appliances and televisions. A child is killed by a falling object every two weeks. Please make sure all furniture is bolted to the wall, particularly if your child is a climber. Hide cables so they can’t be used to pull televisions and again, don’t leave small children unattended. Check how hot the front of your oven gets when it is being used. Some models–even newer ones–have too little insulation on the door. Stovetop control knobs that are within a child’s reach should be removed when not in use. 

Small Objects and Pet Food

Craft supplies should be stored in containers that small children have no access to. Pretty beads look awfully tasty to a toddler. Generally, assume that anything in your home that a child can put in their mouth, they will. Keep any choking hazards up and away. Although you may think your pet’s food is unsavory your toddler will have a bite anyway, because if Mittens eats it, well, it must be good. If your toddler doesn’t eat the cat food, chances are they will play with it, especially if there is a water bowl. And don’t forget to keep the litter box away from children because litter is toxic.

The extra work you put into creating a safe apartment for your child is well worth the effort to know that your home is a safe place to play. As the saying goes, “They are only little once.”