As I think about the pre-parenting days when home décor was more about aesthetics than safety, it does make me realise how different my life used to be.
Fast forward a few years, and my priority shifted to childproofing every corner in every room. Why? Because my little one seemed to have a magnet-like attraction to every potential hazard. But I discovered an unlikely hero in creating a child-friendly home: steel packers.
Why Childproof?
If you’ve ever watched in horror as your toddler decided that the bookshelf was the perfect climbing frame, you’ll understand why childproofing is essential. An article from Cleveland Clinic explains how “children, if they’re reaching up high, can pull furniture down on themselves”, which is obviously something that you never want to happen. Children are curious, and their newfound mobility means they’ll explore every inch of your home. Ensuring that their environment is safe can prevent countless accidents.
Enter Steel Packers
When we talk about childproofing, we often think of corner protectors, safety gates, and socket covers. But what about the furniture that can tip over or that wobbly handrail? This is where steel packers from packersandshims.com come into play. These small, but mighty pieces of kit are phenomenal in ensuring your furniture stays put. The importance of this is vital. For example, The Washington Post states that “once every 46 minutes, a child is treated in an emergency room for injuries from furniture having fallen on them”.
Stabilising Furniture
Children have an uncanny ability to view furniture as their personal playground. Dressers, bookshelves, and TV stands become mountains to climb. By using steel packers, you can ensure these pieces are level and stable, greatly reducing the risk of them toppling over. Remember, it’s not just about the weight of the furniture, but the uneven distribution of it, especially when certain drawers are pulled out. NBC News shared a story on unstable drawers, where a mother shared a story about her “toddlers narrowly escaping tragedy after a dresser toppled onto them”. This has really raised awareness for my family, and that’s why we’re taking action.
Secure Those Bookshelves
As a book lover, I was so excited when my little one first showed interest in my bookshelf. But my joy quickly turned to panic when I saw her try to scale it! Steel packers can be used to anchor bookshelves firmly to the wall, ensuring those fictional adventures don’t turn hazardous.
Fixing Loose Handrails
The staircase was my child’s Everest. While teaching them safe stair navigation is vital, ensuring the handrails are firm is equally crucial. Steel packers can help tighten any loose fixtures, providing a safe grip for those tiny hands.
Practical Advice for Parents
Start by identifying potential hazard zones in your home. Any furniture piece that feels unstable, or fixtures that are loose, should be on your checklist. Invest in quality steel packers; they’re durable and will stand the test of time (and energetic kids!). Regularly inspect these areas, especially as your child grows and their climbing skills enhance.
Stay Safe
As we endeavour to create a world where our little explorers can roam free whilst staying safe. Let’s not forget the importance of tools like steel packers. Here’s to fewer “uh-oh” moments and more carefree laughter!