Tips for Choosing the Best Toddler Safety Equipment

You know how important it is that you keep your toddler safe, but do you know how to choose the right safety equipment? With so many different kinds of car seats, highchairs, baby gates and other accessories, it’s hard to decide which is the best. It’s absolutely essential that you use equipment that is well designed, easy to use and that provides ultimate protection for your child. These guidelines will help you navigate all your options so you can find the best and rest assured that your baby will be safe in your home. When you compare products look carefully at their features and do some research about the company. These tips will help you learn what to look for as you shop. Car Seats The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a car seat is your child’s age, height and weigh. Different models and styles are appropriate for kids of different ages. Manufacturers are required to do research and meet very specific requirements, so find a reputable brand. Look carefully at the seatbelt and buckles to make sure they are safe. Small children need a belt that is a five-point harness, not one that just sits on their lap. It’s also great to find a car seat with a buckle that is easy for you to fasten, so buckling your child in is easy. It’s not exactly a safety feature, but an easy-to-clean upholstery is a plus because we all know that kids are messy! Find a car seat you can easily wipe clean and that isn’t especially susceptible to damage from spills. Always install the car seat in your car exactly as instructed by the manufacturer. Car seats that aren’t installed properly will not work the way they should, putting your child at risk. Strollers As your child gets too heavy to carry, or even if you just want to be able to take your little one out while keeping your hands free, you need a good, reliable stroller. With this

accessory, you’ll also need to keep your child’s age and size in mind as you shop. Just like a safe car seat, a stroller with a five-point harness is best. Look for basic features like a canopy to protect your child from the sun, padded bars, locking wheels and space for a diaper bag, so you can use both hands to work with the stroller. If the stroller you choose can recline, so your toddler can lie back for a nap, make sure the space between the handgrip and the seat can be closed, so he doesn’t slip out of the stroller. Highchairs A highchair is the best way to keep your toddler safe at mealtime, as she won’t have to try to balance on a chair and is less likely to fall. A highchair also makes it easy for your toddler to reach her food so she can to learn to feed herself. The two most important things to look for in a highchair are an adequate buckle and belt and a sturdy divider between the leg holes to prevent your toddler from falling. Of course, other handy features include a chair that is easy to clean, comfortable for your child and easy to store and move as needed. Baby Gates Baby gates are one of the most important safety accessories you can invest in. They keep your child from falling down stairs and can either help you contain your toddler in a safe area or block off a dangerous space like the kitchen. Every home with a toddler should have a safety gate that is easy to use and keeps your toddler very safe. Use a gate that doesn’t have small openings that can easily trap or pinch your toddler’s fingers, one that is easy for an adult to lock and unlock and one that doesn’t have horizontal rungs that will look like a tempting ladder to your child. For stair protection, never use a u-frame gate or one that opens out over the stairs. These can actually be a tripping hazard and if your child pushes up against the gate, he could actually push it open and fall down the stairs. It’s also advised that you use a hardware-mounted gate near stairs for more strength. Bedding When your child is ready to move from a crib to a bed, choose a bed that he can easily reach. If you want to move straight to a standard twin size, use a step stool at the bottom of the bed so he can climb in himself. Toddlers are prone to falling out of bed, so consider using some guardrails to keep your child safe.

Carefully decide where to put your toddler’s bed. Never put it next to a window where your child could easily climb to its height and fall out. Also arrange it so it isn’t close to things like blinds, lamps and other things your child will be tempted to grab and pull while he is lying in bed. Of course, these are just a few of the safety accessories you’ll need as your toddler grows and starts to explore. These basics are a great place to start, but you’ll also need things like outlet covers, cupboard locks, corner covers, a playpen and more. The first step in keeping your child safe is using safety accessories in your home. Your home is full of dangerous items and situations that could be harmful to your child. But, using equipment is only the first step. To really make sure your toddler is safe you need to make sure you are using the best tools out there. You need to know what to look for so when you purchase all the necessities, you know that your child will stay safe and you can rest assured that you are doing all you can to make your home safe. For more information about choosing the right toddler safety equipment please visit the Lindam website - http://www.lindam.com/category/safety-accessories.html