I just found this out, and I've never seen this posted here, so I thought I'd share
In the US, we sell outlet covers so kids don't stick bobby pins or paper clips in electrical outlets and get a nasty shock. (The only kid I know to have done that did it when he was a freshman in high school. At 13 - and in a special school for smart kids! - you'd've thought he'd know better.)
Whether or not they work is up for debate - a lot of kids are able to pull them out, and some people say that the covers make outlets even more attractive to young children. But YMMV.
However, if you're in the UK, your sockets are already really safe. They have these flap things on them? There's pictures here. And apparently - and this site makes a really compelling argument that makes a lot of sense - putting the covers on your outlets is not only unnecessary but actually makes them less safe.
So. If you're in the US, where outlet covers are THE essential part of babyproofing, and you're moving to the UK with a baby or toddler, now you know - no covers, it's all safer than it is here already.
Thank you.
Whether or not they work is up for debate - a lot of kids are able to pull them out, and some people say that the covers make outlets even more attractive to young children. But YMMV.
However, if you're in the UK, your sockets are already really safe. They have these flap things on them? There's pictures here. And apparently - and this site makes a really compelling argument that makes a lot of sense - putting the covers on your outlets is not only unnecessary but actually makes them less safe.
So. If you're in the US, where outlet covers are THE essential part of babyproofing, and you're moving to the UK with a baby or toddler, now you know - no covers, it's all safer than it is here already.
Thank you.