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| | | According to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, more than 4.5 million U.S. children are injured in the home every year. Baby proofing is intended to reduce the likelihood of in-home accidents. There are many products on the market for do-it-yourself baby proofing, but there are also professionals who will evaluate your home and install products for a fee. Baby proofing can be broken down into five general areas: stairways, electrical, locks and latches, bath and general safety. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Baby proofing a stairway area typically involves a mounted or pressure-release gate, as well as banister guards. Gates cost between $60 and $105, depending on the size and type (mounted or pressure-release, plastic or wooden). Extra tall gates cost a little more, roughly between $80 and $120. Banister guards, which are generally plastic or plexiglass shields designed to prevent kids and toys or other items from getting between banisters, cost between $20 and $45.
- Electrical baby proofing entails items like power strip covers, cord covers, outlet or plug covers, cord shorteners. These items are generally inexpensive, costing approximately $2 to $10 per item.
- Locks and latches are intended for use on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, appliance, closet and room doors. Magnetic or loop locks and latches range from $3 to $5 per item. Oven locks run from $5 to $8.
- Bath safety items typically include spout covers, which cost between $5 and $13. Newer spout covers, which include digital thermometers, cost between $25 and $30. Toilet locks, to prevent accidental drownings, range from $9 to $15.
- General safety items include: furniture, tv and computer straps, which cost from $4 to $25; corner guards for tables and desks, at a cost between $2 and $15; blind cord wraps, which usually cost less than $3 for a pair; and oven knob covers, generally sold in packs of 4 or more, for less than $10.
- Costs for professional baby proofing vary widely depending on the type of home (house, apartment or condo), size of home, and installation needs, as well as by area and availability. In general, professional baby proofers either charge a flat fee or hourly fee for evaluations and consultations. Flat fees range from $35 to $75 while hourly rates range from $48 to $90.
What should be included: | - Professional baby proofing services should include a list -- either written or verbal -- of recommendations. Evaluation or consultation fees may be refunded or credited towards installation.
Shopping for baby proofing: | - The National Safety Council provides advice on baby proofing, with tips on preventing suffocation and choking, falls and burns and drowning.
- To find a professional baby proofer, check the International Association For Child Safety (IAFCS) or the Baby Proofing Directory.
- The Baby Proofing Directory also provides room-by-room tips on potential hazards to look for when baby proofing your home.
- Before hiring a professional, be sure to ask for references (and call them!) and find out about the business' insurance coverage. In many states, businesses that offer installation services of any kind must have a general contractor's license. In this case, always ask for a license number and make sure the business is properly bonded.
- Kids Assured, based in California, offers a free childproofing booklet, Child Safety Tips.
- For do-it-yourselfers, there are lots of online stores such as Home Safety Advantage, One Step Ahead and Baby Solutions that sell a range of baby-proofing products.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated January 2009 |
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