Parents know all too well how babies, toddles and even older children can be full of energy, and by nature, curious, which can lead to dangerous situations. The best way to keep your baby and toddlers safe is to never take your eyes off of them. However, despite parents best efforts, millions of children visit emergency rooms ever year in the United States. Accidents can be greatly reduced if parents follow a few rules. Here are 10 ways you can provide a safe environment for your children and protect them from some of the most common dangers in the home.
- Drowning is one of the top causes of death in children under 4. This can happen in the family pool, the bathtub or even in the toilet. Young children can fall into the toilet head first and not be able to right themselves. There are a number of gadgets available to prevent drowning accidents. Keep doors to bathrooms closed. There are nobs that go over the handles making it impossible for young children to open them. All pools should be fenced and locked and there are sensors available that will set off alarms in the house if something or someone falls in the pool while you’re not using it. Never, for any reason leave a young child in a bathtub alone and don’t count on those baby bath chairs to protect your child. Also be aware and test water temperature and remove electrical appliances in the bathroom.
- Suffocation is another common cause of fatalities in very young children. Make sure you have a new crib that meets today’s safety standards. Crib bars should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart. Mattresses should fit snugly in the crib with no gaps. Cribs should not have corner posts that a baby’s clothing can catch on. Bumper pads, pillows, blankets and toys are not recommended. All strings on clothing, mobiles and toys should be removed as well as chords from blinds and draperies.
- Poisons and medicines need to be kept locked and out of reach. This includes vitamins and household cleaners. Use childproof locks on all cabinets where unsafe materials are stored. If your child does ingest a dangerous substance, call poison control center right away. Keep the telephone number by your phone.
- Kitchens can be a very dangerous place for children. Childproof locks on all doors and cabinets are recommended. When cooking, use the back burners and turn keep handles turned in and away from reach. Make sure knives are placed out of reach or locked up, and watch out for any appliance chords. Hot foods and drinks need to be kept out of reach.
- Houseplants can be poisonous for children and pets. It’s best to know which varieties are dangerous and just not have them. If you do have plants, they should be kept away from toddlers who often put everything in their mouths. Some plants are so poisonous; it only takes a small amount to put your child in danger.
- Stairs can cause serious injury to children and must be blocked at both the bottom and top of the stairs. Make sure you use gates that don’t have large gaps children can get stuck or pinched in.
- Windows should always be kept closed on any floor above the first floor unless there is a safety guard on the window. Screens can be pushed out by a child and provide no protection at all. Keep anything away from the window that a child could climb up on.
- Car safety seats can save a life if they are used and used correctly. The types and size of seat your child needs for age and weight requirements can be found on the Academy of Pediatrics website. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the seat is properly fastened.
- Sharp corners on tables and furniture are very dangerous to young children just learning to walk and run, and toddlers are just the right height to be vulnerable. Safety cushioned corners are available that can easily prevent this type of injury and are available at most hardware stores.
- Don’t leave your child with anyone you don’t know and trust completely. Unfortunately, most cases of abuse happen at the hands of people who aren’t strangers. Pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior if they are being cared for by someone other than you for long periods of time.
We know that your child’s safety is the most important thing to you. It’s up to you to make sure your kids are protected and safe. Accidents happen, even when parents are doing everything right. The good news is, there’s a lot of information out there to help you, and plenty of childproofing gadgets to make your child’s environment safe. Your child’s pediatrician can be a great source of help and information too.
If your child has been the victim of an accident due to someone else’s negligence or faulty safety equipment, Atkinson Petruska Kozma Hart & Couture can help you get the answers you need. APKH&C have a 35 year history and are advocates of injury victims’ rights. We believe in fighting for victims and their families when they cannot fight for themselves and take good care of our clients.
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