The Best Ways to Adapt Your Home for Toddlers

Having children drastically changes the function of your home. No longer is it only a place for adult get-togethers and grown-up life. Once kids are brought into the mix, there seem to be sharp corners everywhere, everything must be child-proofed in one way or another, and “boring” but beautiful fixtures get replaced with dollhouses and play kitchen sets.  Playdates are the main event in the house and it may feel like the building’s new true intention is to incubate these little humans. If you have toddlers, are about to be toddler parents, or are even planning around your future kids, there are some important things to take into consideration in order to keep your home toddler-friendly. Whether you’re building your dream family home or making small changes here and there to better adapt your abode for two-, three-, and four-year-olds, shifting the focus from adult pad to child’s play place will give you peace of mind, keep your little ones entertained, and most importantly, keep them safe.   Soften Up One of the biggest realizations toddler parents face is that all of a sudden everything in the home seems like it could become dangerous in the wrong situation. Corners seem to appear out of nowhere, sharper than ever before. Hardwood floor is great for aesthetics until it seems like a fall and busted head waiting to happen. A great way to drastically make your home more toddler-friendly is by softening up the house as much as possible. Rubber corner guards are available for purchase at most general retail stores like Target or Walmart and can provide great relief and extra safety. The corners low to the ground (coffee tables, chairs, etc.) are especially dangerous to small children, so this quick change can make a big difference. Another way to soften up the surfaces in your home is by choosing carpets and rugs over hard floors. If you already live in a home with tile, wood, or laminate, invest in rugs! Rugs are a great way to add some pizzazz to your home, and you can even layer them up for an eclectic look and extra padding. If you’re still considering which home you’ll be in with toddlers, ensure you’re looking only at carpeted places with thick padding for safety, like Eaglewood Homes.

Beware of Technology Technology undoubtedly makes life easier for adults. What some adults fail to realize, though, is the threats to safety they may pose to young ones. Technology that runs on electricity can accidentally electrocute, and children are especially susceptible.  For their safety, make sure all wires and plugs are covered and out-of-reach. Keep important electronics in cabinets or drawers inaccessible to the children, and always keep an eye out when they are near anything run by electricity.

Consider the Space of a Child Children may be small, but their lifestyle can demand a lot of space. Toddlers require room for toys, clothes that they are rapidly growing out of, pull-ups, and so much more. If your home has any extra rooms or closets, consider emptying them out to make room for the toddler supplies you can’t even anticipate. You’ll be happy you did. If you aren’t a satisfied homeowner yet, look for houses with extra space for all your childcare needs.   Boundaries are Your Friend Keeping your children in designated “safe spaces” that have been thoroughly checked and “child-proofed” is always a great idea. There’s no reason to feel bad about limiting children to certain areas of your home, and child-proof boundaries will help keep them in these safe havens. Some boundary-creators to consider are play pens, child gates, or simply the walls and doors your home came with. Thoroughly check an area for all safety hazards, add a boundary, and relax knowing your kiddos will be just fine.