Two year old Muireann McLaughlin lost her life when she got tangled in a window blind cord. Young Sidra Afzal has to suffer procedures to replace skin and hair on her head because she suffered 25% burns from cooking oil in a home accident. Two year old twins, Betsy and William Woodbridge of Winkfield, Berkshire, were playing at home when a chest of drawers fell on them while they were playing at home. Unfortunately, they died from that accident.
These are just some real life examples of accidents that happen in the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, home accidents account for about 2800 deaths each year among U.S. children.
As a parent, you cannot suppose that your children are exposed to danger only when they are outside the home. The home is an equally dangerous place, especially for children below the age of 5. Therefore, parents must not only be vigilant when out with the kids, but also keep a close eye on them when at home. This is especially true for parents with mobile babies and toddlers that are keen on exploring their environment. Home accidents occur very quickly. It is also most likely to happen when parents are in a rush, under stress or when there is a change in routine.
To beef up your children’s safety in the home, it is best to scan through the house and identify potential danger spots. Here is a list of common home dangers for you consideration:
KITCHEN
You’ve heard of children being scalded by hot water or oil. This happens when children pull on pot handles that are sticking outwards. So make sure when you are cooking, turn all pot handles towards the back of the stove. Watch where you place your knives. Make sure they are out of your children’s reach. The same goes for bleaching liquids or detergents you store in your kitchen. Wires from electrical appliances should be either taped up or wound around roll-up cable organizers. While you are cooking, do not carry the baby or child. They could be splattered by hot oil or could cause you to lose your balance while handling hot pots and pans. Do not procrastinate wiping up food or water spills to avoid slipping and nasty falls. Children also love to open drawers and cabinet doors. Install child safety locks to keep them away from medicine and breakable things.
LIVING / DINING ROOM
If you have blinds, watch out for the long strings or wires. They can cause strangulation. Bundle the cords up and tape them high enough so children can’t play with them. Glass tabletops make a home look lovely but they are a hazard around young children. A wooden topped table is a safer option. Also don’t forget to pad the pointed corners of coffee tables and other furniture. Children love poking their fingers into electrical sockets. So hide them behind furniture or purchase some child-proof plug stoppers. De-clutter the stairs and install stairway gates to prevent falls. Hot drinks or bowls of hot soup should not be left near the edge of the table. Toddlers may reach up to grab them resulting in hot liquid spilled all over them. If you have babies that love to put things in their mouth, keep your floors clear of small objects. Also be wary of toys that may have small detachable parts or sharp broken points.
BATHROOM
It’s a zany thing that children are naturally drawn towards water. Try not to keep water filled tubs, containers or pails. If you do, keep them covered and make sure the bathroom doors are always closed. There have been cases of children drowning when they fall in head first into a filled bucket. It is difficult for them to get out because they are top heavy. Never, ever leave a child below the age of five alone in the bathroom. If the phone rings while you are giving them a bath, let it be. If not, take the child with you. Children can drown in just 15cm of water. Hard to believe but it’s true. Another detail to look into is thoroughly rinsing away soap and shampoo. You definitely don’t want your child slipping around in there. A floor with algae is also slippery. So, scrub the floors often. Use bath mats and non-slip rugs in tubs. Again, latch drawers and cabinets that contain medicine or cleaning chemicals.
BEDROOM
A baby cot is not a place to stock up on toys, pillows and blankets. Do not crowd the baby cot with such things as the baby may suffocate. Don’t leave your curling iron and hair straighteners lying around. Avoid beds that are high off the ground. It’s safer to have the mattress on the floor. Secure shelves and dressers to the walls. Children will not hesitate to use the drawers as ladder steps.
A common concern among parents with babies around 15-24 months old is their abounding energy to climb everything. The question often asked is “how do I stop them from climbing?” The answer is “you can’t” and “you should not.” It is part of their development. Instead, focus your effort on educating them on how to climb up and down safely. Teach them what they are allowed to climb (like a low stool) and what is off limits (like the dining table.) Seeing that children love to climb, high windows and railings must be secured. Also be careful of bookshelves, TV stands and cabinets that are top heavy. If they are not sturdy, they might topple over when your child tries to climb it.
There are many things parents can do to make their home a safer place. Be not ignorant nor careless. Be wary of the dangers lurking in your home and take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety.
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