Child-proofing a home should start with window safety

Door knob covers. Anti-scald devices. Tip-over anchors. These may be foreign terms to anyone who hasn't had children, but to parents of babies and young kids, they are potentially life-saving additions to their homes.


Windows are one of the first places that should be secured for children's safety, particularly in homes or apartments above ground level. Cordless blinds or window shades offer a parent peace of mind and allow the shade to be raised or lowered easily without cords that can harm a youngsters.


"When buying new mini blinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation, and consider buying cordless products," according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.


Other safety products include window latches and locks that prevent windows from being pushed open beyond 4 inches, the maximum child-safe distance, according to SafeBeginnings.com. Window guards can prevent entry or exit by a child work best for double-hung windows, but there are styles to match sliding or crank-style windows as well.


Furniture that can be easily climbed by a child should not be placed near windows. Window screens won't prevent them from falling through windows because they cannot hold the weight of a child who pushes against them.