I’m often asked about using outlet covers — specifically those two-pronged plastic outlet inserts. Bottom line — I’m not a fan of them. Let me explain why.

Choking Hazards
The general rule of thumb about dangerous objects around the house is that if one can fit into a toilet paper tube, it’s too small for infants and toddlers. For example, marbles, small rubber balls, stuffed animal decorations like plastic eyeballs, etc. Some cheap outlet inserts aren’t designed well and obviously fit into this category.

Pain For Parents
If you’re one to do a lot of vacuuming around the house, you can relate to the effort of trying to pry those pesky inserts out of the outlet. You have to put them in a safe place while you work, and then remember to put them back in once you’re done.

A Better Design?
I recently received some samples of some outlet inserts. These were specifically designed by a dad who saved his daughter’s life after she inhaled a small outlet insert. He made it wider, and included holes for ventilation (just in case). I wasn’t sold since curious kids never cease to amaze me with the things they stuff into their mouths. Even if a child manages to remove an insert and not stick it in his mouth, I’m still concerned about the exposed outlet.

The Outlet Solution
Replace the entire outlet cover with a sliding safety plate. It blends in well, works with any two- or three-pronged plug, and even comes in an oversized dimension to cover up bad contractor cuts in the drywall. And the sliding covers are springloaded with enough tension to keep out prying little fingers. Of course, Safety For Toddlers carries these, but I challenge you to find a better safety plate.

My only complaint about these is that they don’t come in a four-outlet configuration (mostly found out of the way where entertainment centers are placed, but sometimes carelessly placed in an exposed area of a living room).

I hope this helps and be sure to comment on your thoughts on outlet cover inserts.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm and is filed under About Safety For Toddlers, The Safety For Toddlers Team. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.