When it comes to raising children, there’s probably already an idea in your head about the house. Most likely, it involves a white picket fence and a lawn. But you don’t have to uproot your life and start over in the suburbs to raise your kids. Whether you live in an apartment in a big city or a house in a small town, you can make sure that your child grows up in a nurturing environment.
Here’s how you can make any home more child-friendly:
1. Close Danger Zones
If you live in a high-rise building or even just a house with a staircase, make sure that the railings are sturdy. It’s always better to take action before any accidents occur than afterward. Check all sides to see if it can be bent easily. You should also inspect if there are any missing sections. Small openings can cause big problems for young children. You can easily fix or replace your railings by hiring a metal fabrication service to make custom pieces for different parts of your home.
If you have a swimming pool at home, don’t forget to get a good-quality pool cover. Not just any cover that’s made of mesh. Those are designed to keep leaves, dust, and debris from getting into the water. Get a solid cover that will prevent small kids and pets from jumping into the water while you’re not looking. This is especially crucial during times when you’re not using the pool very often, like winter.
2. Keep the Rooms Well-Lit
Small children can’t help but be accident-prone. They’re probably clumsy, uncoordinated, and fond of running. It’s a bad combination that means they’re going to trip sooner or later. To prevent major falls, you should maximize the lighting in each room.
If you get a lot of natural light, don’t block it by using thick curtains or blinds. Keep them open during the day. If you want to maintain your privacy, put up light-colored drapes. They can let the light in without being see-through from the outside. Plus, it has the added benefit of reducing your utility bills. You won’t need to turn on the lights during the day if you can get plenty from outside.
Besides the economic benefit, sunshine is needed for people’s health. The human body needs exposure to sunlight to produce vitamin D. This nutrient is vital for kids because it helps make bones strong as they keep growing.
It’s not just the source of light that’s crucial, but it’s also about the placement. Put lights under the handrail or along the steps of your stairs, so they won’t accidentally fall at night.
3. Choose Your Decor Carefully
If you’re fond of porcelain vases and glass decor, it might be time to keep them in storage and choose wooden centerpieces instead. Assume that they’ll be knocked off the table sooner or later. You can also opt for materials made from recycled products that are not only fashionable but also sturdy.
It doesn’t mean that you have to keep your home bare to prevent incidents. Dedicate some space for your kids. Keep them occupied by installing additions that they can enjoy. It can be anything from a play area or a music box. This means that their attention isn’t automatically drawn to your nice ornaments.
Besides the material, you also have to consider the color. The obvious decision is to avoid white mats and wallpapers. Choose bright colors to brighten up the rooms while concealing inevitable spills.
You don’t have to sacrifice style over safety. You only have to consider different possibilities when you’re decorating your house.
