September 10, 2019
When you have a crawling infant that is pulling themselves up on furniture and seemingly getting into everything, you want to do everything you can to keep them safe as they explore their tiny world. Baby proofing your home can seem like a huge chore, but it is most definitely an important one. In order to keep your home baby friendly, you will need to keep certain things out of reach. Closet solutions can help you do just that.
At Total Design Source, we have partnered with custom home builders, remodelers, and homeowners across Tampa Bay since 2001. Our design studio consulting experience has taught us that thoughtful closet solutions can make baby proofing easier and more effective. Whether you are preparing for a new arrival or making your home safer for a curious toddler, we can help you create closet solutions that keep dangerous items safely out of reach.
Let us explore three ways closet solutions can help baby proof your home.
You might be surprised at the things that pose a choking hazard to infants and young children. Not only do you need to keep small objects out of reach, you also need to keep items with a chain or string away from children. Anything that a child could accidentally swallow in whole or in part should stay put away where the child cannot reach. Choking is the fourth leading cause of death in children under the age of five. Do not let your child be a statistic. Instead, use custom closet solutions such as built-in drawers to hold small items.
| Hazard | Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Small toys | Lockable drawers or high shelves |
| Jewelry | Divided trays out of reach |
| Coins and buttons | Secure containers in upper cabinets |
| Craft supplies | Closed bins on high shelving |
| String and ribbon | Hooks at adult height only |
Total Design Source specializes in custom built-in closets with lockable drawers and adjustable shelving. Our guided selections process helps you choose the right configuration for your family’s safety needs.
Another leading cause of injury and death in small children and infants involves the ingestion of chemicals. Some cleaners and other chemicals have interesting smells, and infants and toddlers do not know that they are harmful. You must keep these chemicals and cleaners out of reach of your child. Closet solutions with hooks for cleaning rags, mops, and brooms, as well as shelving to keep cleaners organized, can go a long way toward protecting your child.
| Item | Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Lockable cabinets or high shelving |
| Laundry detergents | Closed containers out of reach |
| Pesticides | Secured storage with childproof locks |
| Paint and solvents | Lockable closet or high shelves |
| Mops and brooms | Hooks at adult height |
From pre-construction planning to precision installation, our team handles every aspect of your custom storage project. We offer transparent pricing and a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Although most office and art supplies do not pose an immediate danger to your baby or toddler, they can pose quite a mess. The last thing you want is for a baby or toddler to get their hands on glue, glitter, markers, paints, or pens. You can keep these items safely put away with office or den closet storage that features divided cubbies for different types of supplies kept well off the ground.
| Supply | Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Markers and pens | Divided drawers out of reach |
| Glue and adhesives | Closed containers on high shelves |
| Glitter and paint | Sealed bins in upper cabinets |
| Scissors and tools | Lockable drawers |
| Paper and stickers | Bins with secure lids |
Anchor tall dressers, shelving units, and armoires to the wall. These furniture pieces pose tip-over hazards when children pull themselves up on them.
Add childproof locks to all closets and cabinets that contain hazardous items. This simple addition can prevent serious accidents.
Store anything you do not want your child to access on the highest shelves. If you cannot reach it, neither can your child.
Clear bins help you see contents while keeping items safely contained. Secure lids prevent little fingers from exploring.
Designate certain closets as baby-safe areas. Keep only safe, age-appropriate items in lower sections of these closets.
As your child grows, their reach increases. Regularly reassess which items are within their reach and move items higher as needed.
If you have an infant or toddler entering your home, baby proofing is very important. Contact us today for more information about our custom closet solutions and how they can keep your child safe.
Contact our design studio consulting team today to discuss your project.
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