Here are some practical tips to baby-proof cleaning products. Learn about child-safe locks, ideal storage locations, and safer eco-friendly alternatives.
First, to baby-proof cleaning products, identify and secure all harmful cleaning supplies by placing them in high, out-of-reach areas or locked cabinets using child-safe locks. Secondly, consider investing in childproof storage containers for an added level of security. Lastly, consider switching to non-toxic, eco-friendly, safer alternatives for children.
When my firstborn started crawling a few years back, I had a wake-up call. One afternoon, while I was caught up in the day’s basketball match, my little girl embarked on her own adventure. In the blink of an eye, she opened the entrance closet door and was found by my wife playing with a bottle of windshield washer. A wave of panic washed over me as I imagined what could have happened if she’d managed to open the bottle.
From then on, I decided I needed to be better prepared, more proactive. I want to share what I learned about baby-proofing cleaning products.
This article will cover the following:
- Understanding the Risks
- Identifying Dangerous Cleaning Products
- Using Child-Safe Locks and Latches
- Safe Storage of Cleaning Products
- Swapping Chemicals for Natural Solutions
- Takeaway
As parents, it’s a joy to watch our babies discover the world around them, even though their curiosity can sometimes lead them into potential danger zones. One such zone is where we store cleaning products.
Let’s delve into the risks associated with household cleaning products and why it’s essential to baby-proof them.
The Hidden Dangers of Cleaning Products for Babies
Our little ones have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t, and cleaning products top the list. These common household items can pose serious risks if ingested, inhaled, or even touched. Grasping these risks is essential as we venture into the world of baby-proofing.
Cleaning products, while effective against dirt and grime, house many chemicals that pose a significant risk to our little ones. The statistics are sobering: According to a study, nearly 125,000 children under five were exposed to harmful substances from household cleaning products in one year alone.
For instance, if your little one ingests a cleaning product, it can cause nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, damage their internal organs. Inhalation, on the other hand, might lead to respiratory issues. And let’s not forget about skin and eye contact. Many cleaning products can cause skin irritation or severe eye injuries.
Another study highlighted that corrosive cleaning products, including drain openers and toilet cleaners, are among the most dangerous, resulting in nearly 12,000 emergency department visits for young children annually in the United States.
Now that we know the threats let’s spot the cleaning products that pose the most risk.
Identifying High-Risk Cleaning Products to Baby Proof
Our homes are filled with various cleaning products, some of which can be particularly harmful to our mini explorers. Identifying these hazardous cleaning products is a key step in our baby-proofing journey.
While many cleaning products can pose risks to young children, certain ones are particularly dangerous due to their chemical composition and potential for harm.
What are Cleaning Products Most Harmful to Babies?
- Bleach: A common household cleaner, bleach can cause serious harm if ingested, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.
- Laundry Detergent Pods: These small, often brightly colored pods can be mistaken for toys or candy. If ingested, they can cause significant harm to the throat and digestive system. In severe cases, they can be life-threatening.
- Drain Cleaners and Oven Cleaners: These products often contain strong, corrosive chemicals that can burn skin and eyes and are dangerous if ingested.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaners: Another source of corrosive chemicals, these cleaners can cause skin burns and are dangerous if swallowed or splashed in the eyes.
- Air Fresheners and Deodorizers: While they keep our homes smelling pleasant, many contain chemicals that can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if directly contacted or inhaled.
- Furniture Polishes and Floor Cleaners: These products can cause skin irritation and, if ingested, can harm the digestive system.
These products are typically found in various places around our homes.
Where are These Products Commonly Found?
- Kitchen: Under the sink is a common storage area for harmful cleaning products such as bleach, oven cleaners, and detergents.
- Laundry Room: This is where laundry detergents, including pods, are typically stored.
- Bathroom: Toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, and air fresheners are often found here.
- General Storage Areas: Items like furniture polish, floor cleaners, and other miscellaneous cleaning supplies might be stored in closets, garages, or utility rooms.
When my first kid started to crawl, my world changed. Those cupboards, doors, and drawers that used just to serve a functional purpose? Suddenly, they were like treasure chests just waiting to be discovered by my little one.
Here’s how child locks have become my best allies.
The Power of Child-Safe Locks and Latches
Child-safe locks and latches are ingenious. They’re designed to be tricky for tiny hands and easy for adults to open. Well, mostly easy. I’ll admit I’ve had my moments of struggle. These devices use sliding buttons, press and pull actions, or magnetic keys to shut doors and drawers securely.
When my daughter first tried to outsmart our newly installed cabinet locks, I held my breath and observed. She pulled, and even shew on it, but the lock held firm. She eventually gives up and crawls off in search of a new adventure.
However, not all locks and latches are created equal, and choosing the right ones is vital.
Which Locks and Latches are Best for Baby Proofing?
These are great because they don’t require drilling and can be used on various cabinets and drawers. Remember, the adhesive strength can weaken over time, so they might need replacing after a while.
For more information, check out these Adhesive Mounted Locks on Amazon here!
These locks are activated by a magnetic key, making them practically magic to your little one. You can easily install them inside the cabinet or drawer, so they’re completely invisible from the outside.
For more information, check out these Magnetic Cabinet Locks on Amazon here!
These locks are wonderful for handles that are close together. They’re super easy to install and remove, a bonus for those high-traffic cabinets.
For more information, check out these Sliding Cabinet Locks on Amazon here!
These locks are your new best friends if you have lever door handles. They prevent the lever from moving, keeping doors securely shut.
For more information, check out these Door Lever Locks on Amazon here!
After we’ve locked down on these measures, let’s turn to another important step: safe storage locations.
Safe Storage of Cleaning Products: Out of Your Child Sight
So, we’ve talked about identifying hazardous cleaning supplies and using child locks. But what about the location? The old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ seems relevant here, especially regarding our curious little explorers.
Therefore, the higher, the better. Think about upper cabinets or shelves that are way beyond the reach of tiny hands. Sure, it’s inconvenient to fetch a stool every time you need something, but isn’t a safe kid worth the extra effort?
We’ve moved all cleaning products to the topmost shelves in our home. The under-the-sink cabinet is now the home of our less hazardous items, like dish towels and sponges. I remember my daughter proudly declaring she had “cleaned” her toy kitchen using a sponge from under the sink. If that had been a cleaning product instead, the story could have been much different.
What are Alternative Storage Options if Cabinets are not Available?
If you need more upper cabinet space, don’t worry. You’ve got options.
Like child-safe locks and latches, childproof storage containers work on a simple principle: easy for adults, not-so-easy for kids. They come with a special safety cap design that requires aligning, pressing, or twisting in a particular way to open. If you’ve ever struggled with a childproof cap on a medicine bottle, you know exactly what I mean.
Choosing a childproof storage container depends largely on what you plan to store inside. Some are designed specifically for detergent pods, while others are more versatile.
These boxes usually have a safety latch or lock that can be tricky for little ones to open. They’re great for storing various items, from cleaning supplies to medications.
For more information, check out these Childproof Storage Boxes on Amazon here!
If you’re ready for a significant safety upgrade, let me introduce you to eco-friendly cleaning alternatives.
Swapping Chemicals for Natural Solutions
As parents, our worries aren’t just about our kids getting into our cleaning supplies but also about the chemicals in those supplies we use around the house. Studies suggested that early exposure to certain chemicals commonly found in cleaning products was linked with a higher risk of childhood asthma and eczema.
Eco-friendly cleaning products offer a safer alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals, reducing the risks associated with common household cleaners. They’re better for the environment and safer for our little ones. Sounds like a win-win.
My Eco-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Seventh Generation: This brand offers a wide range of cleaning products, from laundry detergent to dish soap, and all their products are plant-based. We use their Free & Clear line at home, free of dyes and fragrances, perfect for sensitive skin or allergies. More info here!
- Ecover: Ecover’s products are biodegradable and made from plant-based materials. They have everything from dishwasher tablets to multi-surface cleaners. More info here!
- Better Life: Co-founded by a dad who wanted safer products around his kids, Better Life offers a range of non-toxic, plant-derived cleaning products. Their all-purpose cleaner is a staple in our home. More info here!
- Puracy: This brand was developed by doctors, and they focus on safe, plant-based formulations. Their multi-surface cleaner is safe to use around kids and pets. More info here!
- Method: Method offers a range of biodegradable cleaning products made from plant-based materials and comes in 100% recycled plastic bottles. Plus, their products smell amazing! More info here!
When it comes to natural cleaning products, there’s a wealth of options. Here are some of the other alternatives that we’ve used in our own homes:
- Vinegar and Water: Great all-purpose cleaner.
- Baking Soda: Gentle abrasive cleaner. It’s great for scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens.
- Lemon Juice: Great for dissolving soap scum and hard water deposits
Remember, even natural products can cause reactions in some people, so it’s always important to monitor your child for sensitivities.
Takeaway
We’ve identified the potentially hazardous cleaning supplies lurking in our homes, learned how to use child locks, and discovered eco-friendly cleaning alternatives that are better for our kids and the planet. And, importantly, we’ve examined how the location of these products can make a significant difference in our childproofing efforts.
From one parent to another, remember that this isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about doing our best. Remember, the path to a safe home is a journey, changing and evolving as our children do. Your time and effort in this process testify to your care and love for your little ones.