118 HAWAII PARENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 while a child that is permitted to safely explore is more likely to blossom. A general rule to keep in mind about childproofing when there are toddlers in the house is that whatever is at the toddler’s level should be considered fair game. It is unrealistic to expect a toddler not to be curious about the Polish pottery or Ming vase that is within reach of little fingers. Yes, there will be items that cannot be put away or up out of reach of those exploring hands. Toddlers can be taught one-finger touches or yes and no touches. Child-proofing never really ends, even as children grow. Siblings still wrestle and play catch in the house when parents are away. Murphy’s Law is ever present. Hawaii Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 sure-mounted models may not be strong enough. • Place padding on the edges of coffee tables and brick or tile fireplaces. • As soon as baby can get up on all fours, remove the bumper pads as baby may use the pads to climb out of the crib. • Fix televisions or stereos, so they cannot be pulled off furniture. • Keep appliance cords wrapped short, so children cannot pull the appliances off the counter. • Secure bookshelves, dressers, etc., to walls since they can topple onto children who use furniture to pull up and stand as well as climb. According to the Sears, it is normal toddler behavior to want to explore. A toddler who is not free to explore can become withdrawn and fearful of the world around, “Once a baby is mobile, home safety should become a daily concern.”
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