The TV stand, stereo, DVD players, or gaming console in your living room are the number one cause of accidental injuries in children. The top three injuries are bruises, cuts, and falls from the furniture where a child dies in some cases. The most typical reasons for these accidents are TVs being left on unintentionally, not using furniture restraints, and having loose cords on the furniture.
Here are some tips for baby proofing your entertainment center or media cabinet with simple materials that will protect your child from injury.
Table of Contents
1) Use a Baby gate
A baby gate is the most effective way to keep your baby away from dangerous areas in your home. This includes making sure that your entertainment center is safe for your little one. One way to do this is by using a baby gate
My Favorite 4 baby gates for entertainment center
Toddleroo by the North States
My toddler is constantly on the move and I was looking for a safe way to keep her contained while still seeing her. I found the Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard and it has been a lifesaver!
t’s versatile and can be used as a portable playpen, a baby gate or a safety barrier. It works on carpet, tile, hardwood floors without scratching and the mounting hardware accommodates extra-tall baseboards.
I love that it can be infinitely extended with extension panels (sold separately) to span extra wide areas. The 3in1 Superyard has locking panels configured to fit any space for infinite play area options. Some barrier configurations may require additional hardware (hardware package sold separately by the manufacturer).
This gate is JPMA certified and safe for babies ages 6-24 months. Your child will love it, and you’ll love the peace of mind it gives you!
| Things I like | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Versatile | Some barrier configurations may require additional hardware (hardware package sold separately by the manufacturer) |
| Safe | |
| Does not scratch flooring | |
| Can be infinitely extended | |
| JPMA certified |
Overall, I am happy with the Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard. It has been an excellent investment and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe and versatile way to keep their child contained.
Also read: Best 7 Pet Friendly Baby Gates with Cat Door
Regalo’s adjustable baby gate
My second choice is Regalo’s adjustable baby gate. My second child was getting bigger and exploring more, so I knew it was time to get a baby gate. I did some research and found the Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate.
This gate is really easy to install and can be used in multiple configurations, which is great because my house is small and I needed something that would take up as little space as possible. The gate is also made with sturdy steel construction and meets safety standards, which gives me peace of mind.
The best part? It’s portable, so I can easily take it with me on trips or move it around my house.
| Things I like | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | None that I can think of! |
| Can be used in multiple configurations | |
| Made with sturdy steel construction | |
| Meets safety standards | |
| Portable |
Overall, this is a great baby gate that is versatile, sturdy, and meets safety standards.
Read: Best 6 Baby Gates for Uneven Walls and Open Floor
Regalo Plastic Super Wide Baby Gate
If you’re a parent like me, you know the importance of childproofing your entertainment center. But sometimes, finding the right childproofing products can be a challenge. That’s why I am here to tell you about the Regalo Plastic Super Wide Baby Gate.
This gate is perfect for parents looking for an easy way to childproof their homes. Compared to their Metal Expandable Gate, this product is made of weather-resistant plastic and can be used indoors and outdoors.
The Regalo Plastic Super Wide Baby Gate is an excellent option for parents looking for an easy way to childproof their homes. The gate is super wide so that it can fit openings up to 192 inches wide, and it’s also tall enough to block off stairways and other areas that you want to keep your children away from.
The best thing (I personally liked) about this gate is that it can be used as a 6-panel play yard, so your children can have their own safe space to play in. The gate is also very easy to set up and takedown, so you can use it as needed. And if you’re looking for a durable and convenient childproofing option, the Regalo Plastic Super Wide Baby Gate is a great choice.
| Things I like | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| Can be used as a 6-panel play yard | Some parents may find the height of the gate to be too tall. |
| Fits openings up to 192 inches wide | Plastic may not be as durable as metal. |
| Durable and convenient |
Find more wide gates here: 7 Best Freestanding Baby Gates (Extra Wide)
Fairy Baby Extra Wide Baby Gate
I was excited when I came across the Fairy Baby Extra Wide Baby Gate because it sounded like it would be a perfect way to keep my child safe and restricted to certain areas of the house.
The gate is easily adjustable to fit openings between 57.5 and 62 inches wide, and it stands 30 inches tall. It’s also safe for children aged 6-36 months, which is great because as they get older, they become curious about their surroundings and might start to wander off.
This gate automatically closes when the handle is released, which is helpful so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to lock it up. It can be opened from either direction, which is really convenient.
I really like this gate because it’s pressure-mounted, so it’s quick and easy to set up and takedown, and it doesn’t require any additional hardware or tools. It also has a sturdy, heavy-duty metal construction that can withstand up to 100 pounds of impact.
Q: Will this gate fit openings that are smaller than 57.5 inches?
A: No, this gate is designed to fit openings between 57.5 and 62 inches wide.
Q: Is the gate safe for children older than 36 months?
A: While the gate is safe for children aged 6-36 months, it is not meant for children older than 36 months.
Q: Can I use this gate on stairs?
A: No, this gate should not be used on stairs.
Read: 3 Best Baby Gates for Wrought Iron stairs Railing
Q: What type of material is the gate made out of?
A: The gate is made out of metal.
| Things I like | Things could be better |
|---|---|
| The gate is safe for children aged 6-36 months | The gate does not fit openings that are smaller than 57.5 inches |
| The gate can be opened from either direction | |
| The gate is pressure-mounted, so it’s quick and easy to set up and takedown | |
| The gate has a sturdy, heavy-duty metal construction that can withstand up to 100 pounds of impact |
It’s not mandatory to use a baby gate to baby proof your home. There are other ways as well:
Also check: Best 5 Curved Baby Gates for Spiral Staircase
2) Prevent a TV from falling from the TV stand
There are certainly so many ways to baby proof your TV stand, but it all starts with not having the TV on top of a counter or dresser where your baby can reach. If you need to put the TV on top of a cabinet for any reason, be sure to anchor both ends of the TV frame.
You can also prevent your TV from tipping by putting a sticker on the bottom. If you don’t have cabinets, securing a TV to the wall is an option. The TV will be safe from any falling hazard as long as it’s securely attached with screws or nails.
Read: 8 ways to Baby Proof Bookshelf
3) Cover all sharp corners
Both televisions and consoles can have sharp corners that are dangerous for small children to climb on. The best trick to dodge this is to cover outlets of all sharp corners with furniture restraints.
You can utilize a scrap of cloth, a blanket, or even heavy cardboard. Once you’ve wrapped the furniture restraint around the corner, tuck the excess fabric under the corner and secure it in place using tape.
You can also buy ready-made outlet covers or corner guards to cover sharp corners in your home. Corner guards come in different sizes and shapes, depending on where you want to place them. Simply stick it on the wall by peeling off the protective film.
Another solution to cover corners and protect your kids from sharp corners is corner cushions. Corner cushions are soft and flexible, so they can be easily placed on the corners of your home. Corner cushions come in different colors as well, so it is easy for you to match them with the color of your wall or furniture.
4) Hide the cords
Many families are unaware of the hazards of loose cords on furniture. Electronics hidden cords can lead to bruises, cuts, and falls. If you have a TV, stereo, or game console in your home, make sure that it’s always unplugged when the family isn’t using it.
Television cords should be tucked into the back of TVs so that they don’t dangle over small children. The most useful way to hide the cords is to use a cord concealer. These covers are made of rubber, and they can be easily slipped over the cords.
They are available in different colors and sizes, and you can pick the one that matches your decor. The covers are easy to install, and they do not need any tools for installation. They come with strong adhesive tape at the back so you can stick them on the wall or furniture.
You can also use cable boxes that hide all your cables in one place and keep them out of sight.
Also read: Childproof Blinds with Cords: Simple and inexpensive Solutions
5) Baby proof glass elements
The most common cause of a glass-related injury is rooted in the fact that glass can break into smaller pieces and become sharp, which can pose a danger to your child. To avoid this, you’ll want to use safety film over any glass.
Safety films are thin sheets of plastic that better protect children from injuries. They cost just $10, making it both cost-effective and an efficient way to protect your child from glass related injuries.
Additionally, glassproof is sold in convenient stickers that are easy to apply. While you’ll need to live in a place with glass, you can use a large sticker-sized glassproof for large projects that you can apply to both flat surfaces and the sides.
6) Lock the doors to your Entertainment Center
If you don’t have a lock on the door of your entertainment center, it’s time to get one. These will help prevent your childs’ little hands from accessing the TV or stereo on the media cabinet and pressing buttons without permission. A screw-on door stopper is also easy to install and can be done by yourself in just minutes. Plus, it does not take up a large space, so you don’t have too much trouble finding room for it.
In addition, they are inexpensive, so there is no need to call someone else to install them for you, plus they are very durable and will last for many years without any problems.
7) Prevent falls from furniture
You should also make sure that all furniture is stable and sturdy enough to hold a child’s weight that will prevent tipping or falling over.
The first step in preventing falls from furniture is securing your child’s safety by ensuring that any items your child uses for climbing or jumping are correctly secured on their furniture. You should secure all items, such as chairs, tables, cupboards, sofas, etc., with electronic equipment safety straps to prevent them from falling easily and injuring your child.
You should also make sure that there are no open gaps on the other end of the furniture where a child can slip and fall. The most promising method to do this is by placing mats or rugs underneath the furniture and in front of the gap so that if a child falls, they will not get injured.
FAQs for Baby Proofing Entertainment Center
How do I keep my baby away from my entertainment center?
You’ll want to start by making sure your entertainment center or media cabinet doors are securely locked. This will keep your little ones away from potentially dangerous items, therefore, hidden dangers.
Make sure all the switches and holes in power strips or electrical outlets are covered to prevent them from putting their little fingers in them and getting electric shock.
Next, you’ll want to install child proof latches on the drawers and make sure they’re closed tightly when not in use. You may even want to consider a childproof lock if you have one available.
You can also try installing an alarm on any drawers accessible to your children. These alarms will send signals by giving off a high-pitched sound by opening drawers that’s just loud enough for your kids to be able to hear but won’t scare them too much.
How to prevent a TV from tipping over?
The first step to baby proofing your entertainment center is to install a TV stand or mount. This will prevent the TV or appliance tip overs easily, giving you peace of mind and your children safety from lurking dangers.
Next, make sure the TV’s cord is tucked away and out of reach for little ones. You either purchase furniture pieces with cords hidden in them, or you can tuck the cord into a hole on the back of the TV stand.
Occasionally check to see if the TV stand you’ve installed is secure enough. If any parts of it are loose, they should be tightened by an adult before your kids get involved with anything on it.
How can I make my TV stand more stable to keep my baby safe?
One of the best ways to prevent your TV from tipping over is by using a TV cabinet or stand. If you have a flat-panel TV, place it on a small sturdy TV stand with enough space or television wall mount, preferably one that is large enough to support the weight of the TV.
Where to place furniture restraints?
It’s important to secure your furniture in one or two central locations. For example, if you are using a dresser, place a piece of furniture restraint across the top of it to keep it from tipping over. This way, any child playing on the floor will not be able to pull the dresser down and hurt themselves.
How to baby proof my furniture?
One of the essential steps in baby proofing is furniture anchoring. This step is crucial for ensuring that your children are safe from any large, heavy and weird objects on TV cabinet.
To make furniture anchoring as pain-free as possible, we recommend purchasing furniture anchors already made to fit your furniture. These anchors are easy to install and provide a secure hold on all the screws you need to install.
They also allow for removal without damaging the surface of your wood, so you can move them around if needed!
Read: 5 Simple Ways to Baby Proofing Wood Stove
How do I stop my baby from watching too much TV?
In order to keep your baby safe, you’ll need to set some ground rules. Use these straightforward guidelines to help you establish a safe and fun environment for your kids.
- Develop a time limit
One of the many ways to protect your little ones is limiting the amount of time they spend in front of the TV. So, have an agreed-upon limit for how long they can watch. Let’s say it’s 10 minutes per day. When planning activities, keep that in mind, and make sure you stick to the schedule!
- Turn off screens at bedtime
Who says TV screens must be on all night? The same principle applies with sleep—turn off screens at night and hide remote control. Engage in more creative play with your kids! Introduce new games or books that will get them excited about reading again.
How can I protect my TV screen from scratches?
Scratching the screen is one of the parents’ most common complaints about their kids. One of the options is to install baby gates or child safety gates near the television. This will keep your child from reaching for anything that might be dangerous enough to scratch or break the screen!
You can also buy a perfect TV screen protector to avoid scratches. Vizomax has designed the perfect flat screen protector that will not only keep your HDTV clear but will also enhance your viewing experience. And, assure you never have to stress about scratches or fingerprints on your screen ever again.
Conclusion
When you baby proof your entertainment center, you’re not only protecting your kids but also saving yourself money. The costs of replacing your TV, your furniture, and even small electronics if a curious toddler breaks them can be costly.Baby proofing can be overwhelming and frustrating, but with these steps, you’ll be able to keep your little one safe and your best entertainment investment safe too.
Now that you know how to baby proof entertainment centers, your children are safe and your entertainment center isn’t going anywhere, all you have left to do is enjoy family time!
Also read:
