Childproof

Childproofing (also called Baby Proofing) is the act of making an environment or object safer for children. The act of childproofing reduces risks to a level considered acceptable by a society, an institution, or, for example, to specific parents. Childproofing may include restriction of children to safe areas or preventing children from reaching unsafe areas. This can be accomplished by the parent, or by hiring a professional for assistance. Childproofing is gaining more prominence now that parents have greater access to information on child injury and a greater variety of products to help prevent it. In fact it has become so top of mind for parents, even hotels and kid-friendly resorts are offering "child-proof" rooms.

One of the more common concerns of child safety is the potential for electrocution or serious injury when an object, such as a key or metal paper clip, is inserted into an electrical outlet. Many childproofing devices exist that block access to the electrical outlets. These devices may be as simple as plastic units that plug into each individual socket but this type could be removed by a toddler or parents might forget to re-insert them after using the outlet. Once removed from the outlet, most plastic plug-in caps become potential choking hazards. Other devices such as sliding outlet covers replace the current outlet plate but still allow parents access to use the outlet.

The United States government publishes a free brochure for children that discusses electrical safety.

One of the more common methods of childproofing is to move potentially dangerous items to higher levels, beyond the reach of young children. This may include small items that pose a choking hazard, sharp items that might poke or cut a child, breakable items such as glass vases and anything that is long and flexible, like ropes and cables. If you want to get a better understanding of the potential dangers around your house, getting down to the eye level of your child will make you see your house the way your child does.

A playpen is another device that is commonly used as a form of childproofing, by restricting the movement of a child while resting, playing or bottle feeding, requiring a somewhat lower level of supervision while in use. Many playpens are , making them an alternative when the parent and child are visiting a home that has not been "childproofed".

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Wikipedia