Keep Baby Safe: Babyproofing Tips for Home HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing

For any parent, nothing is more essential than keeping your baby’s well-being.

As soon as your babies start crawling, your whole living space can seem like one enormous hazard!Your home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are particularly concerning.

With this comprehensive guide, you can ensure your home’s essential systems are properly babyproofed for your complete reassurance.

Babyproof Your Home’s HVAC Vents and Registers

Air vent covers that shield the air vents throughout your home are often irresistible hazards for tiny fingers and toes. Here’s how to protect your child:

• Screw down registers: If your base or side registers pop out, screw them in place to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Add childproof vent covers: These utilize a mesh safety barrier to block little things from dropping in without blocking airflow.

Keep Small Hands Away from the Thermostat

Little ones are fascinated by buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an inviting plaything. Use these tips to avoid unexpected temperature fluctuations in your residence:

• Move the thermostat out of reach: The thermostat should be installed at adult eye level. Avoid putting furniture near it that could tempt kids to climb up to try to access it.
• Lock the controls: Some thermostats come with child-lock functions to stop anyone from changing the settings. If yours lacks this feature, you may want to look into installing a thermostat cover that blocks curious kids from changing the temperature.

Babyproof Utility Spaces

If your HVAC system units are situated in the basement or utility closet, this is a crucial place for babyproofing. Young children shouldn’t be in these areas, so follow these tips to keep them safe:

• Add doorknob covers: If the utility area is contained, you have it easy. Just attach a childproof cover on the doorknob to prevent your kids from opening the furnace room door.
• Install a safety gate: If your HVAC equipment is in an open area, position a safety gate to keep curious crawlers from getting next to your heating equipment or water heater.
• Inspect the carbon monoxide detectors: Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level, especially if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, electrical versions are easy for kids to reach. Think about installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for additional safety.

Avoid Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, heating components aren’t confined to the utility room. Here’s how to safeguard your child from hot surfaces:

• Implement heat guards: Place a straightforward baby gate or specially designed heat guard around radiators to create a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Avoid using space heaters: A correctly adjusted heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be little reason to add a space heater to draw curious kids.

Prioritize Electrical Babyproofing

Electricity is essential for modern living but presents safety hazards for kids. Here are ways to secure your home’s electrical setup:

• Implement outlet covers: Building code stipulates new receptacles to be tamper resistant. If you have older outlets, you can cover them with outlet covers. Use sliding covers rather than plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes remove.
• Conceal or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a pulling and chewing hazard. Use cord concealers or tape them down next to the baseboards. Power strip covers are also beneficial for keeping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Lock up your home’s electrical panel: If your electrical panel is within reach, it’s a good idea to be sure it’s securely closed and locked to prevent inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Use These Plumbing Safety Tips

Toddlers adore water play. Make sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these childproof tips for home plumbing and plumbing fixtures:

• Modify the water temperature: Set your water heater to 120 degrees F to stop scalding at the tap. Just avoid going any cooler than this, or you could encourage microbial growth in the tank.
• Install a faucet cover: Has your child ever bumped their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an easy way to prevent this type of injury.
• Implement toilet locks: Toddlers are often intrigued with the toilet. A special lock prevents little ones from accessing unsanitary water or tossing toys inside, which can cause pipe clogs.

Partner with McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling for Your Home HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical in Springfield

With these childproofing tips, you can confidently create a secure environment for the whole family. At McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to help parents safeguard their little ones with fast, dependable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Springfield. We are focusing on making a big difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Call 610-649-8080 today to connect with our team. We’ll ensure your home stays comfortable and secure for everyone.