Top 12 Child Safety Aids:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission rates the following safety aids as the top 12. These devices can be purchased at hardware stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and wherever baby equipment and housewares are sold. Caution: Safety devices work only if they are kept in good working order (proper installation, changing batteries at least once a year) and used as intended (consistent cooperation of older children and adults in the family.)

No safety aid replaces parental supervision.

Smoke detectors (less than $10) Use smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of bedrooms. Check battery monthly and change battery once a year.

Carbon monoxide detectors ($30-$70) Use carbon monoxide detectors outside bedrooms, in homes with gas or oil heat and garages that are attached.

Anti-scald aids ($30+) Use anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads to regulate water temperature. Also, if possible, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. antiscald.com

Window blind safety tassels (Get free window blind safety tassels by calling 1-800-506-4636) Looped cords on window blinds are a strangulation risk for children. By cutting the loop and placing safety tassels on each cord end, the danger is removed. Ask about safety features when buying new miniblinds, vertical blinds, and draperies. With older blinds and drapery cords, hold cords tight with tension or a tie-down device.

Safety gates ($13-$40) Use safety gates to block stairs and off-limit rooms. Purchase gates that are easy to use and that stay in place. Use screws to fasten gates to wall at tops of stairs.

Outlet covers and outlet plates (less than $2) Buy outlet covers that are large enough to prevent choking and difficult for a child to remove.

Window guards and safety netting ($8-$16) Use window guards and safety netting for windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Bars on window guard should be no more than 4 inches apart. Reserve at least one window in each room as fire exit.

Safety latches and locks (less than $2) Use safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas where dangerous objects are stored. Purchase safety latches and locks that are easy to install and easy to use. They must be sturdy enough to keep children out of cabinets and drawers.

Corner and edge bumpers ($1 and up) Purchase bumpers that stay securely on furniture. Use bumpers to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.

Door knob covers and door locks (cover: $1; lock: $5 and up) Door knob covers keep kids out of rooms with danger. Purchase covers that work for children but can be opened quickly by an adult. Door locks should be placed high on the door, out of children's reach.

Door stops and door holders (less than $4) Use door stops and door holders to prevent crush injuries from doors or door hinges.

Cordless phone ($30 and up) Useful to call for help without having to leave children.

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Information about Child Safety Aids was graciously shared by Dr. Patricia Keener, author of Caring for Kids: Useful Information & Hard-to-find Facts About Child Health and Development , and Riley Hospital for Children.