Children Keep Out!
by Alison Rhodes

While baby proofing is critical, we are firm believers in teaching our children the word "no."

It is virtually impossible to create a safety bubble for your child to live in, nor would you want to. You will be visiting family, on play-dates or somewhere else where hazards will pop up and it's just as important that they understand "don't touch."

Having said that, there are areas in your home that are so hazardous your child should just be kept out. If you have a home office with a great deal of electronic equipment and computers, put up a baby gate and make that a "No Baby Zone." The same is true for an exercise room. Thousands of childhood emergency room visits occur each year due to accidents with treadmills and stationary bicycles - usually injuries to fingers and hands. Garages and tool rooms are other areas children should be kept out of. Install dead-bolt locks high up out of reach on the doors leading to these areas. And be sure your garage doors have safety sensors that will prevent them from closing if something or someone is in the way of the eye beam.