Palm Beach CountyRegion S Palm Beach CountyBoca Raton

Actions

Helpful childproofing tips that could save your child's life

Increased demand for baby and child proofing
Posted at 5:32 AM, Feb 28, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-28 05:34:18-05

BOCA RATON, Fla. — According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a toddler is killed every two weeks in the U.S. by a piece of furniture tipping over.

Equally startling, a piece of furniture or appliance tip over causes an injury every 17 minutes.

Joe Dytko, the owner of Shiny Hiney, said the viral videos and warnings on tip-over injuries and deaths has lead to an increased demand for help baby proofing.

"It's good that we are seeing what happens, and that we do take care of it before it happens," said Dytko.

His company is now part of the International Association for Child Safety -- a group of child proofers throughout the country.

He warned about children pulling drawers out to climb in an effort to reach items parents put high out of their reach.

"It disperses all the weight to the front, so that makes it very easy for this to tip over," said Dytko.

If you need to do this yourself, Dytko offers up the following advice:

  • Start with removing chemicals and hazards from under the kitchen sink
  • Make sure you're anchoring items to the studs on the walls
  • Don't hide items from kids on high shelves

"That will encourage them to climb,"Dytko said. "Basically, I try to look through a child's eyes. Maybe from your waist down."

You should focus on door stops, outlets, cabinet drawers, television mounting and safety straps.