Finishing Touches: Childproofing a Kitchen and Stairs and Completing the Nursery

Project: Babyproofing the House, Episode 4



In Melrose, MA, finishing touches are in progress in the master bath, and childproofing is in full swing throughout the home. Jay Martel of the International Association for Child Safety shows Bob an adjustable child safety gate for wide spaces that is removable and configures to varying angles, as well as the critical safety gate for the top of the stairs. Other child safety measures include latching kitchen appliances and cabinet doors and covering stove dials and electrical outlets. Ginny Turner, from Ecobaby Organics and Pure Rest, shows Bob healthy alternatives such as organic baby bedding products and clothing. In the master bath, Grant Garcia and Chris Dada of Sterling Surfaces install the Corian tub surround that was fabricated off site using digital-photo templating. The custom installation accommodates the tub wall, a tile cove, and a water dam to prevent water intrusion behind the solid surface. Upstairs, a completed nursery awaits the newborn.

Part 1: Baby Safety Gates and Healthy Organic Sleeping Products
Part 2: Finishing Touch: Master Bath Custom Corian Tub Surround
Part 3: Finishing Touches: Childproofing a Kitchen and Stairs and Completing the Nursery

Bob talks with Jay Martel from the International Association for Child Safety. Martel reviews new kitchen safety products for toddlers, such as an adhesive latch for the refrigerator and magnetically-latching cabinet doors. For stove safety, Martel recommends parents use the backburners with cookware handles turned away, remove dishtowels from the outside of the oven, as they can invite children to pull on them, and use stove knob covers. For electrical outlets, Martel shows covers that automatically slide shut when electrical plugs are removed. Bob and Martel then review the crucial baby safety gates that have been installed at the top of the stairs. This swinging gate requires two motions to open, has an inswinging action, and importantly, has been properly installed with affixed mounting hardware. Bob visits the nursery, where most of the work has been done. Some of the furniture has arrived, insulation has been installed, the Solserene sound-reducing ceiling has been put in place, and safety covers have been put over the electrical outlets. The whole project should be wrapped up next week in time for the new baby's arrival at home.

In Melrose, MA, Bob Vila helps a young couple expecting their first child to prepare their home. The focus is on creating a safe place with a strong emphasis on indoor air quality and a healthy living environment. Bob reviews child safety products with industry specialists, as they outfit the home from top to bottom in preparation for the new baby.

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