When it comes to relaxing in front of your screen, your entertainment center is your go-to spot. For little ones, however, it can look like a playground filled with shiny buttons, tempting cords, and gadgets to explore. If it’s not properly secured, your TV stand can be a significant hazard. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child dies every two weeks from furniture or appliance tip-overs, with televisions and their stands being responsible for 70 percent of these incidents. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your media cabinet is baby-proofed.
Secure Your TV
The safest way to keep your TV from toppling over is to mount it on the wall. If that’s not an option, use a strap or anchor to secure it. Attach one end to the back of the TV and the other to the wall or cabinet behind it.
Lock It Up
If your TV stand has doors, keep items like cable boxes and game consoles out of reach by securing them behind childproof locks. Go for locks that screw into the inside of the cabinet for extra safety. If your cabinet doors are not glass, consider a remote control extender, which lets you operate the devices without direct access.
Safeguard Your Devices
For electronics that can’t be hidden behind doors, use strong adhesive straps to keep them anchored to the cabinet surface. You could also retrofit devices like Apple TVs and DVD players with Plexiglass strips to prevent tiny fingers from pressing buttons or inserting objects into slots.
Control Your Cords
Aim to keep cords tucked away at the back of your entertainment stand. Invest in cord covers that bundle the wires together and can be attached to the wall or floor, making them less accessible to curious toddlers.
Cover Sharp Corners
Once your baby starts crawling, sharp furniture corners can become serious hazards. Pad the corners of your entertainment center, but be careful with adhesives that could damage the finish. Also, consider padding any knobs or handles that are at eye level.
Hide Your Remotes
Many remote controls don’t have secure battery covers, posing a choking risk. Keep all remotes stored safely out of reach to avoid any accidents.
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In summary, babyproofing your entertainment center is essential for keeping your little ones safe. By following these simple steps, you can transform a potentially dangerous area into a secure environment for your growing family.
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