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Fun and Fancy: A Crafts and Hobbies Blog

How Your Hardware Store Can Help You Child-Proof Your Home

6 November 2014

Caleb Jordan

If you're the parent of an infant or toddler, securing a child-proof home is essential. To begin, it's a good idea to assess your home, including every area your child will have access to. Next, make a list of items you'll find at the hardware store that can help ensure a safe environment for your child. Your local hardware store will have the tools you need to help provide the security you seek.

Non-Toxic Interior Paint

Not every interior paint is eco-friendly and "child-proof." Some paints are made with volatile organic compounds, otherwise known as VOCs. This paints emit vapors that may be harmful to a young child's respiratory system.

Your hardware store will sell paints that do not contain VOCs, and these are best to use in homes with young children. Non-toxic paints are a smart solution. The non-VOC paints consist of natural, water-based materials that do not emit toxic vapors. Whether you prefer a flat paint or a semi-gloss, insist on VOC-free varieties.

If you choose a casein paint, you'll find it in a powder form. You'll need to add water to the powder before use. You may also find interior latex pain that is VOC-free, and this may prohibit the growth of bacteria and mildew as well.

Clay-based paints are a good non-toxic choice for households with young children. Paints that are made with food-grade materials are another option. Sunflower oil and soy are two such ingredients.

Cabinet, Door and Oven Locks

Medicines and cleaning supplies should be secured and locked. Check your hardware store for child-proof cabinet locks. A magnetic locking system is easy to install in most kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Door locks with pinch-resistant guards are good for prohibiting access to rooms.

Curious youngsters may easily open an oven door while in use. This may result in serious burns. Play it safe by placing a child-proof lock on the oven door latch. Most hardware stores also sell knob covers to prevent accidental ignition of burners.

Electrical Outlet Covers

When browsing the hardware store for safety products, check for electrical outlet covers. These outlet caps are inexpensive and may prevent harm from electrical current. Spring loaded caps are more difficult for little hands to remove than solid plastic caps.

Non-Skid Rug Padding

When your toddler is learning to walk, prevent accidental slipping with the use of a non-skid pad. You can find these pads at the hardware store. Some underlays are also made to work with radiant-heated floors, and many are hand-washable.

Rug pads come in various sizes, ranging anywhere from 4'x6' to 9'x12'. Look for open-weaved construction, as this allows your carpet or area rug to "breathe", thus preventing mold, mildew and odor retention. If your hardware store doesn't have the size you need in stock, ask about custom ordering.

Child Safety Gates

When your child begins crawling and walking, installing a safety gate is a good idea. A safety gate should be placed at the top of the stairs, as well as any entryway you don't want your child to have access to. Hardware stores sell safety gates that may be bolted to the wall with hardware, or those that simply mount to the wall with pressure. Ask your hardware associate to recommend a model that is certified by a child safety organization.

Know Your Hardware Store Departments

As a final consideration, be familiar with your hardware store's layout. Not all child safety products are located in the same department. For instance, child safety cabinet locks may be in a different department than safety gates. The non-skid padding will typically be located in the rug and carpeting department. Bring your checklist with you for easy reference as you shop. 

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