What are some tips on child proofing my TV, den & computer area?

You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about a toddlers and what happens when they start toddling (and talking)! We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about children in their second year. Each Wednesday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of a parent with a toddler. Chiming in to give her feedback will be three women who have been there and done that: an expert (you know someone who does this for a living), a mom from our community (for the “best” friend advice you need) and a babybites’ team member (someone who will promise to give you the REAL deal and no fluff). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.

What are some tips on child proofing my TV, den & computer area?

Expert: Marsha Greenberg

One of the best ways to childproof is to make a list of everything you have seen your little one do in a space. Does he try to climb, knock things over, etc.? Then with that data look around the space and see what would give him opportunities to repeat the action in an unsafe way. Some toddlers will climb on everything so making sure bookshelves are fastened to the wall and sharp corners padded as best as possible. Toddlers repeat actions so if you keep your CD collection on a low shelf they will take great pleasure in pulling it off! If this is a source of frustration for you then make sure you only keep things low that you want your toddler to get into or at least don’t mind your toddler getting into it. It is also fun to keep some special toys in different rooms so they can have some specific they look forward to in that space as well. If you work at your computer set up a small table for your toddler and put an old typewriter on it to pound away at or notebooks to draw in. Toddlers are naturally curious so try and remember that if something is new in a den or library your toddler will want to check it out. So try and reduce stress for both of you by setting up rooms to minimize frustrations for everyone.

Mom: Mina McKiernan

One of the best ways to make sure you’ve covered all your childproofing bases is to ask a friend with children who are a bit older than yours to come over and check out your house. Also, crawl or knee walk around, and see what is within reach that could potentially be unsafe. Doorknob covers are a must for keeping children out of rooms when you’re not with them. Make sure to secure tall and heavy furniture to the walls with furniture straps or brackets. Make sure your computer is on high ground where kids can’t get to it and password protect your documents to avoid sticky fingers and accidental deletions! For your TV, the best option is to wall mount the TV. If that’s not a possibility be sure install a tie down strap that will prevent it from tipping.

babybites’ team: Heather Ouida

I tried to put all the stuff they could play with on the bottom shelves and I moved everything else up high. If it was still a battle I removed it for a while. This way, there was only a few things in the room that were completely off limits (touching the TV, pulling on cords, etc.). I found this was more realistic to enforced and easier for my boys to remember what they could not touch rather than the whole room/area being off limits.

About our team:

Marsha Greenberg M.S., M.S. W

Marsha is a therapist in New York City. She is the author of the newly released book, Raising Your Toddler, by Globe Pequot Press. She has masters degrees in Child and Family Development and Social Work from the University of Michigan. As the Director of the Health Systems Child Care Program for over 14 years, she was responsible for over 250 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years of age. Marsha teaches in the Early Childhood Special Education department at NYU and has a private psychotherapy practice in NYC. Marsha is the mother of three grown sons and has three grandsons (aged 4 and 18 months and 4 months) with a new grandchild on the way.

Mina McKiernan

Mina is a mom to two daughters: Leila, 6, and Ella, 4. Before becoming a stay-at home mom, she worked as a recruiter for HR professionals.

Heather Ouida

Heather co-owns Mommybites with business partner Laura Deutsch. She is responsible for managing, growing and overseeing Mommybites nationally as well their flagship city of Manhattan. Heather’s favorite parts of her job include hosting “Mommybites Live” an educational talk show with parenting luminaries, writing her blog which varies between sappy, educational and downright snarky, interviewing parenting experts for Mommybites’ regular tele-class series and facilitating some of the Manhattan working moms support groups. Prior to co-founding Mommybites, Heather was a learning specialist where she taught in London for many years as well as at The Dalton School in Manhattan. Heather holds a BA in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, an MA in child development form Tufts University and acquired her learning specialist degree form York University in England. Heather currently resides in Manhattan her husband, two boys, two fish and pet turtle. Heather’s hobbies include, hot yoga, Nutella eating, writing, Bravo watching, reading and sharing inappropriate jokes with girl friends. To learn more about Heather’s mission to support follow-moms in non-judgmental ways please click here.