Toddler Proofing the Home, A Necessity

When I first started thinking about when AJ would come home I was delighted, then horrified. How would I handle a walking, talking, toddler when I had no idea how to even parent? And, how would I handle a walking, talking toddler who spoke no English? That was an entirely different issue. I had friends who told me he would adjust just fine and that the language issue and discipline issue would be no problem. All I had to do was just tell him “no”.

By the time they told me that I had done my fair share of research on language acquisition, sensory integration, and attachment issues and I knew that even a firm “no” was not going to do the trick if AJ wanted to get out the door or into the pots and pans (not that that should be an issue). But the first time I accidentally left the silverware drawer partially open and he squeezed his little fingers in and pulled out a corn cob holder (and aimed it straight at his eye) I was sure glad I had toddler proofed the ENTIRE house.

Anyone raising a toddler needs these essentials:

Electrical and Appliance:

Electrical Outlet Caps

TV and VCR Guards (so PB&J does not make the local news)

Wire Guard for loose wires

Drawer and Cabinet Locks

Cabinet Locks

Door Knob Covers

Bathroom and Bedroom

Toilet Lid Lock (don’t laugh…many Hot Wheels have made it down out potty!)

Crib Gummy Rail (especially for those chewers)

Fire Escape Ladder

No Tip Furniture Brackets

Either a Guardian Angel Window Guard or a window stop (for upstairs windows)

Blind Winder

Gates for the stairs and any rooms that you do not want your toddler in. We lived in a “gated community” for a long time because any roaming caused AJ to be overstimulated. He had lived in such a small environment for so long that he needed his environment kept small and then gradually built up.

I could have used this product two years ago. The Little Tumblers Table Topper covers the entire top of a coffee table to protect your toddler from the sharp edges without scratching your table top. Unlike other table top protectors that glue or tape onto the table this one simply wraps around the entire table. You can also order a custom topper.