This child-proofing technique could be putting your kid at risk

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — Keeping children safe is a top priority for parents. A common step many take is child-proofing their home.

But a recent study shows that one proofing technique many parents use might put a child at risk more than out of harm’s way.

The plastic covers parents plug into wall outlets aren’t enough, according to researchers. A recent study says 100% of children ages 2-4 were able to pull the caps from the outlets within 10 seconds.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends getting tamper resistant outlets instead of the traditional plastic ones.

The updated recommendation has plastic covers inside that won’t open until prongs unlock both sides. Mom Megan Gunter thinks it’s a better option. “We're always upgrading outlets, anyways. So, if you add in USB stuff, it only makes sense that there would be track to make better baby-proofing options,” Gunter said. “Especially since it's something that's readily available I mean, why wouldn't you choose that over the plastic caps?”

NewsChannel 12’s Morgan Newell went to the store to see if the safer option is readily available and it is. She added the latest recommendation is only about 50 cents more than the non-tamper resistant outlets.