Keep Your Child Safe and Injury Free at Home

Most parents tend to be extra vigilant when taking their children outside of the home so it might be somewhat shocking to learn that most accidents actually happen at home. If you take a moment to think about it, there are potential hazards in each room of a typical home. This article will outline the main ones. It's important to note however, that no matter how safe you make your home good supervision remains essential.

Kitchen

The kitchen is an area where there are a lot of dangers for young children. They naturally want to be where the action is and the kitchen is often a hub of activity in many households. It's a good idea to keep young children busy and safe by making a low cupboard or drawer their own. Fill it with plastic kitchen ware, empty plastic food containers, plastic measuring cups, plastic strainers, wooden spoons or mixing bowls. Little people love to 'help out' in the kitchen and can be given a little cold water to stir, serviettes to fold, or placemats to arrange while dinner is being prepared. When cooking, use the back burners, keep the handles of pots and pans turned towards the back of the stove and the kettle well out of reach. Store all cleaning agents, vitamins and medicines high where they can't be reached and install child safety cupboard latches. Many household cleaners are in attractive, bright containers and may therefore be very appealing to young children. If children see their parents taking medication they might want to as well. When it's time to eat, take a few minutes to remove bones from meat and fish and cut food into small pieces. Using placemats is preferable to a table cloth which can be tugged and pulled at. Always use the safety belt on high chairs and never let children stand up in them. It's best to train toddlers and children of all ages to remain seated when eating to reduce the chance of choking.

Bathroom

The bathroom is another potentially dangerous area around the home. Keep medicines in a locked cabinet or one that is out of reach. Child safety latches are a good idea in the bathroom too - to keep little ones away from toiletries and makeup. Keep the lid of the toilet closed and avoid using solid toilet bowl cleaners in the tank. Some brands of these cleaners are the colors of candy and juice and might be enticing to little eyes. Community health nurses recommend when running a bath run the cold water first then the hot. Finish off with more cold to cool the faucet. Be sure to test the water before letting the child into the tub. Place a non-slip mat in the bathtub and never leave a child alone in the bathtub for any reason. Although it's tempting to run and answer the phone or put the laundry in the dryer since it will only take a second, remember that a child can drown in very little water in that same time so constant supervision is necessary.

Family Room

Another common living space with conceivable hazards for young children is the den or family room. Televisions and bookshelves are exceedingly heavy and could seriously harm a child if they were to topple upon them. It is therefore recommended to secure the television set and book cases and keep the VCR and other electronic equipment out of reach. Any large pieces of furniture should be anchored and sharp corners padded. When children are crawling and grasping for things to hold onto, anything free standing that could topple is a problem. For this reason it's a good idea to replace free standing lamps with wall or ceiling lighting.

Bedroom

Make the child's room a safe haven. Ensure blind cords are out of reach or install the pull-down variety. Make sure the crib mattress fits snugly and that there are no spaces in the headboard. Never put a pillow, duvet or quilt in the crib. If you are planning to get a second-hand crib, check the date printed on the crib. If it was made before 1986, it is not safe. Place your baby on his/her back to sleep to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Always remove baby's bib before putting him/her in a crib or play pen.

Other

Overall home safety should include working smoke alarms in the bedrooms and hallways on each level. In addition, stairs should be protected with safety gates on each end. Unused outlets should have plastic outlet covers on them. When safe-guarding the yard, it is best if ornamental ponds and swimming pools are completely surrounded by fences and a locking safety gate between them and the house.

Parents will feel more secure knowing that they have done what they can to prevent accidents. Inevitably though, accidents will happen and while a kiss and a hug better will 'treat' most, it's a good idea to learn some first aid. Community centers often have first aid courses to teach parents how to treat common injuries in children. As they grow up and are able, teach your child how to use the phone to call for help in an emergency. Teach them their full name, address and telephone number as well as your name. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone where they can see them easily.

Some planning and effort put into home safety will help to ensure a more safe and happy environment for children. Look at your home with a critical eye and even sit on the floor so you can simulate the gaze of a child. Ask yourself what could fall, what their little hands might get caught into or what might bait their curiosity. Remember, as children grow, the problem areas will be different! Just when you think you've got it all worked out, they get smarter, interested in new things and more 'brave'. Parenting is certainly both a joy and a challenge. Creating safer home is a fundamental part of responsible parenting.

Yours in parenthood, Grandpa Richard.