For the next party you host, multitask by kid-proofing your house before decorating for the big bash.
Stock the Right Party Supplies
Unless you’re completely wedded to the idea of serving food and drinks in ordinary (not plastic or paper) plates, cups and utensils, the best way to kid-proof your party is starting with the dishes. Little hands reaching up to a table can easily break or knock over dishes, posing a danger to themselves and others. If you are worried about the environmental impact of disposable tableware, there are readily available recycled plastic and paper utensils, plates and cups. Further, you can recycle them after the party to lessen any guilt.
You’ll also want first-aid basics in the event any injuries occur. Hopefully, with careful planning, they won’t happen; but it’s always good to have supplies on hand. Also, make sure you have the contact information of the parent or guardian of every child at the party.
For your pre-party shopping list:
- Plastic or paper plates and cups
- Plastic utensils
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic cream
- Ibuprofen
- Tweezers
- Toilet locks
Kid-Proof Your House
Now that you have the supplies, it’s time to kid-proof your house. Install toilet locks if you are hosting toddlers or younger. Do a sweep of your house, garage and yard for any other standing water, even a few inches deep, such as in buckets or small plastic kids’ pools.
Next, remove toxic materials from wherever curious little ones can get to them. Do a walk-through of your house and check any lower cupboards (bathroom, kitchen, any room that has them) for unsafe chemicals and liquids, like bleach, cleaners, drain remover, hair dye, hair spray, prescription and over-the-counter medicine and anything else that is toxic for children. Move all of these to a large box with a lid and safely stow where children won't be during the party, like the basement or garage. In the kitchen, move anything sharp away from a child's reach. Knives on the counter, for instance, should go away in a high-up cupboard. Finally, put away your delicate decor like crystal vases and breakables, including anything little hands will be tempted to reach for.
Check On Everyone During the Party
While you don't need to have an “everyone out of the house” drill, you can take a few minutes to do a headcount. Just do a quick check to make sure that everyone who came is still safely on the premises.
Finally, be sure to have the first-aid kit easily accessible. Common sense and prevention help ensure everything will go right at your next kid-friendly party.
