Important Safety Tips if You Have a Toddler in the Home
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Accidents in the home are the primary cause of death among children in the US. Toddlers in particular are curious and want to explore their surroundings with their new found mobility. Frequently, however, their curious natures cause them some problems.
Many of these injuries, though, can be easily avoided. All you need to do is implement a few simple precautions. Here are some toddler safety tips that will help to child proof your home.
Around the House
* Large pieces of furniture that are prone to tipping, like a shelving unit, should be fastened to the wall using brackets.
* Doorknob covers are required for any room that you don’t want your toddler to enter, for safety reasons or otherwise. They will also keep him from leaving the house unsupervised.
* Make sure your window blinds don’t have looped cords. They have been the cause of strangulation among young children in a number of cases.
* Always use protective covers on your electrical outlets. This will keep out curious fingers and small objects that can lead to electrocution.
In the Kitchen
Be sure to install safety latches on all your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Your child won’t be able to get at the cleaning products, most of which are toxic if ingested. As well, they won’t be able to get hold of sharp objects such as knives or scissors from the drawers.
Use the back burners on the stove when you’re cooking. Keep the handles of your pots and pans turned in so that they’re out of reach for your toddler. When you’re using the oven, block off access to it to avoid accidental burns.
In the Bathroom
Just like in the kitchen, drawers and cabinets in the bathroom need child proof latches. Household cleaners and medications must be locked away where your child can’t get at them. Unplug electrical appliances such as your blow dryer or curling iron immediately after use. Store them safely out of a child’s reach.
If you have a toddler, you need a toilet lock to keep the lid down. Because toddlers are top heavy, it’s not hard for them to fall into the toilet when they’re exploring it. Remember that a small child can drown in less than an inch of water. So it’s essential to supervise them in the bathroom at all times.
Take an objective look at your home to spot any other possible sources of danger. Take care of them right away. With these precautions and some common sense, raising toddlers can be easy and fun.
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