Ensuring Toddlers' Safety at Home
Preventing Dangers in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom & Play Area
Nov 6, 2009
Once a baby has started walking, there are many different things for her to explore, which she will do without knowing its consequences. Here are a few simple precautionary measures that parents should follow to ensure their children's safety inside the house.
Safety in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places for toddlers. Parents are more likely to get distracted in the kitchen, finding it difficult to keep an eye on the child. If possible, prevent the child from entering the kitchen at all. Otherwise, ensure that the safety measures are in place.
- Keep hot liquids away from the toddler's reach.
- Keep knife and other sharp utensils in locked cupboards.
- The dust bin should be kept well out of reach of the child.
- Always cook with the pan handles turned towards the back.
- During meal time, keep hot dishes at the center of the table. It's better not to use a table cloth until the child grows a little older.
- Wrap safety films around glasses.
Safety in the Bathroom
Young kids are naturally fascinated with water and bath-time fun. But there are so many dangers awaiting there and parents should be well aware of the hazards.
- Remove latches from the bathroom door to avoid accidental locking.
- Soaps, shampoos, mouth wash, razors and face wash are to be kept on a high shelf.
- Always keep the toilet seat cover closed until the child is ready for toilet training.
- Keep toilet cleaners and floor cleaners in a locked cupboard.
- When the child is engaged in water games, pay close attention to her, as she may be at risk of drowning.
Toys and Playthings
There are several ways to make sure that the toddler’s toys and playthings are safe.
- Avoid toys with tiny parts. Kids may swallow them.
- Doctors don't recommend baby walkers. They are known to cause injuries. If using one, always keep an eye on her when she is in the walker.
- Keep long strings, ropes or ribbons away from her to avoid strangulation.
- Before introducing a toy to her, read all instructions carefully and beware of chocking hazards, if any.
Good Housekeeping Helps
When there is a child at home, a general safety check throughout the home is the best practice.
- While ironing, make sure that the child is not around. Alternatively, engage her in a playpen until the ironing gets done. Keep the iron box out of reach of her.
- Don't keep valuable books, documents or files in the lower shelves of bookcases.
- Arrange the house in such a way that fragile things are not kept within her reach.
- Use corner covers for tables and other sharp households.
- Put tight covers on electrical sockets.
- Fix window locks and cupboard locks wherever needed.
- Until the child is comfortable walking up and down the stairs without assistance, fix stair gates at both top and bottom.
- Make sure that the child cannot reach the latch on the main door. It prevents her from running into the street.
- When not in use, appliances like television, washing machine, computer, laptop, oven and grinders are to be turned off at the mains.
Other Safety Measures to Protect Toddlers
Children are at risk not only in specific places. Danger lurks wherever they go and whatever they do. There are a few other precautions that should be followed by parents.
- Avoid giving a pillow to a young child when sleeping.
- Avoid having pets at home, as kids may be at risk of developing asthma complaints.
- While visiting a neighbor’s home, always keep an eye on the child and parents should not get distracted while chatting.
- Read safety labels carefully before buying children's furniture and equipment like car seats, baby cribs and playpens.
Caring for a young child is not an easy task. Toddlers need constant monitoring both inside the home. Parents should ensure safety in the kitchen, bathroom and play area. Good housekeeping should be practiced too. Keep in mind that there is no substitute for the child's safety.
Source:
Dr. Cooper, Carol. Johnson's Mother and Baby. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2003.
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