| Child Proofing has come a long ways since my | | | | regulations on cribs have changed, due to accidents |
| children were little. When my boys were young, we | | | | that have occurred. The old one in the attic may have |
| had the door and drawer latches, but now there are | | | | been recalled, have lead paint, etc. If you don't have |
| safety items for every part of the home. Do I believe | | | | room for a crib to be permanently placed in your |
| we have to make Grandma's house a fortress? No, I | | | | home, Pack 'N Plays are great alternatives, and can be |
| don't. But a little common sense can go a long way. | | | | packed away when not being used. Two words: Buy |
| I don't believe that we have to keep the refrigerator | | | | new! |
| locked, a child-safety latch on the stove, locks on the | | | | Kitchen and Bath: This is where I would suggest getting |
| cabinets, a lid lock on the toilet, etc. There comes a | | | | cabinet and drawer locks. Better safe than sorry. We |
| time that a child has to understand the word "no!" | | | | tend to keep cleaning agents under sinks, glassware |
| I do suggest, however, a few safety measures for | | | | can break and hurt our little one, and the garbage |
| Grandparents so they don't have to turn their homes | | | | under the sink - let's face it - who wants that all over |
| upside down. | | | | the place? I keep one cabinet in the kitchen with all my |
| Cribs: If your grandchild is going to spend any time at | | | | plastic-ware. This cabinet does not have a lock on it |
| your house and need a place to nap or to sleep | | | | and my Granddaughter takes the items out and plays |
| overnight, you'll need somewhere for them to sleep | | | | with them. It's more work for me, having to wash |
| safely. Biggest offer of advice: buy new, not used and | | | | everything before I use it, but she has fun. |
| DON'T use the one your child used as a baby. The | | | | |