Learn how to add more storage space to closets
Do you need more space in the pantry to organize all the jars of baby food or the kids' snacks? Is your child's toy or clothes closet starting to overflow? A great way to get organized is with a light-weight but sturdy system that can be adjusted as your needs change. For this purpose we favor the ClosetMaid Close Mesh Wire Shelving and accessories, available at major home improvement retailers. For a standard size closet you'll just need two "ShelfTracks," which are the metal tracks that install vertically. Once you have them screwed into the wall you can add shelves, drawers, and various other storage accessories.
Start by measuring the width and depth of the closet you're working with. Bring the measurements to the store with you because the staff can help you cut down the shelving to size. Taking a few digital pictures helps too. Keep it simple to start. Perhaps just buy the 2 ShelfTracks, a couple of wire shelves and the appropriate shelf brackets (to support the shelves on the tracks).
Studs are generally about 16" apart so in a closet you should be able to install 2 ShelfTracks into studs. Try 2" screws, #10 panhead. Use a level to ensure the track is straight. You can hook the shelves in anywhere along the track and adjust as needed. Have fun looking around in the storage/organization aisle of the store. Before you know it you'll have doubled your storage space (and who doesn't need more of that!)
Simplicity Play Yards Recalled by Various Retailers Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards
Would you know what to do if you found your child or a loved one choking or not breathing? Do you know CPR? Did you know it's changed since 2005? If you've never learned or it's been more than 2 years since you took a class...have a CPR party! Everyone should know how to save a life.
Kimberly Packard is an American Heart Association Certified CPR/First Aid instructor offering education and certification to both lay persons and health care professionals. Contact her today for more information: email or 508-868-9316.
How to get your parents on board with child safety. 10 strategies to make Grandma's home safer without inconveniencing her.
My own mother thought I was crazy to start a childproofing business. I generally consider her forward-thinking but when I introduced her to the concept of childproofing she actually gave me a "In my day..." speech. In her day on long road trips my brother and I laid in the back of our station wagon while my sister (now co-childproofer) curled up asleep in the foot well. When car seats are a non-issue you can imagine what goes in the house. Childproofing, schmildproofing!
I'm happy to say my mother has come around to the idea of childproofing now that she has 3 grandchildren, one of whom she babysits weekly. But my mother's mindset is not uncommon among grandparents. If you'd like your parents' home to be safer when your child is there, read on. We'll give you 10 strategies for making Grandma and Grandpa's home safer without inconveniencing them. But when it comes to their need to feed your child bologna on white bread and full size candy bars, you're on your own!
Why should Grandma childproof?
Her house wasn't childproofed when you were a kid and you survived. But we're more informed about home hazards today and thanks to the many safety devices available, we're better equipped to prevent them. According to Safe Kids Worldwide there has been a 43% decrease in unintentional injury deaths from 1987-2004. This tells us that parents are becoming more educated and taking the necessary steps to prevent injury.
If Grandma childproofs her house you'll be able to spend more time actually visiting and less time running interference. Likewise when Grandma is babysitting she'll be able to enjoy your child more. (What grandparent wants to tell their grandchild "no"?) Grandparents are at a bit of a disadvantage because they can't see the developmental advances their grandchild makes every day. From one visit to the next he or she may gain many more skills that warrant additional supervision.
Elaine, a grandmother from Falmouth, recently hired Heart & Home to childproof her house and suggests other grandparents do the same: "I would advise any grandparent that entertains grandchildren in their home to get checked for safety. It had been 20 years since we had little ones around and we tend to get careless over time. Things happen too quickly to take a chance. I would never forgive myself if any of the boys were injured in my home."
10 ways to make Grandma's house safer without inconveniencing her:
The degree to which grandparents should childproof depends on how often they have grandchildren at their house and whether or not they're responsible for babysitting. The more time a grandparent spends with a child, the greater the need for childproofing. That being said, even if visits are only occasional, some measures should still be taken to insure the safety of their grandchild. And what grandparent doesn't want to keep their little ones safe?
1.| Tot-Loc Magnetic Locks are perfect for grandparents' house because they are super effective yet easy for adults to use. These cabinet locks are unlocked by touching a magnetic "key" to the outside of the cabinet, rather than a pressing down action required by traditional latches. And the best part is, they can be disengaged when the grandchildren aren't over. Consider locking the cabinets under the kitchen sink where cleaning supplies are typically stored.
2.| Move medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, well out of children's reach. Often a high shelf of the bathroom closet is a good idea. Be aware of any medication that may be on counters, in bathroom drawers, or on nightstands.
3.| In rooms that grandchildren spend the most time, consider Safe Outlet Plates. They look just like regular outlets but a sliding mechanism covers the receptacles. They're the perfect way to protect children from outlets, both in use and not. And once they're installed there are no little plastic pieces to pull out or remember to plug back in.
4.| Move breakables out of reach and assess furniture for sharp corners and edges in the room(s) grandchildren spend the most time.
5.| Many stairway gates are removable. The hardware always stays in place but the gate itself can be easily removed and then replaced when the grandchildren are visiting.
6.| Top of Door Locks are ideal for grandparents' house. They are door locks that sit on top of the door and can be left unlocked whenever you choose. They can be installed with extension wands so grandparents don't have to reach to lock them. They're a great way to keep children out of rooms/closets on an as-needed basis.
7.| Consider keeping a toy box or bin at the ready when grandchildren come over to distract them from turning household items into playthings. Remember to reassess the toy selection depending on the age of the child and prevent little ones from putting small objects in their mouths.
8.| Be careful of basement doors as the stairs pose a serious danger. A simple hook & eye is usually all that's needed at Grandma's house.
9.| Assess the room where grandchildren nap. Secure furniture to the wall and remove breakables. Keep windows closed and locked during naptime and be sure blind cords are wrapped up out of reach. Remember that hand-me-down cribs aren't always safe, particularly if they're older or have been recalled. Check with CPSC.gov.
10.| Keep hot beverages and knives away from the edges of kitchen counters.
A few minor adjustments to Grandma's house can mean more fun for everyone! Heart & Home wishes a Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers who are devoted to keeping their children happy, healthy...and safe!
Send this newsletter to your Mom, along with a thank you for being a caring mother and grandmother! 
House plants can be a danger to toddling children who tend to explore with their mouths. Even if your plants are not poisonous we recommend moving them out of reach because the dirt, pebbles and leaves can be choking hazards. Outdoors teach children that it is dangerous to put mushrooms, plants or berries in their mouths.
Below is a list of 12 popular plants that happen to be poisonous. If eaten some can cause a skin rash or upset stomach, while others can have a more serious effect.
1.|Azalea, 2.|Daffodil bulbs, 3.|Holly berries, 4.|Hyacinth, 5.|Hydrangea, 6.|Lily of the Valley, 7.|Mistletoe, 8.|Philodendron, 9.|Poinsettia, 10.|Rhododendron, 11.|Rhubarb leaves, 12.|Wisteria
A full listing of poisonous plants [PDF file] provided by the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Poison Control Center.
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