Toddlers are curious little beings. Their interest in the world around them is much higher than adults. However, their curious minds and continuous exploration can put them at risk. In provinces such as British Columbia, where approximately 40,000 babies are born every year, there is a need to raise awareness regarding toddler safety at home.
We usually set our homes according to our own needs. For young children, these houses can be rather dangerous. Houses contain countless items and compounds that are a safety hazard for toddlers. Due to this, home injuries are very common among toddlers. Falling, drowning, suffocation, and burns are a few of the injuries that occur at home. Thus, to protect your child, you should try to make changes in your home.
Here are seven tips to make your home safe for your child.
- Clear up the space:
Toddlers have a habit of exploring. During their exploration, they climb over things, drag items to themselves, and knock objects down. Consequently, they expose themselves to several serious injuries.
As a parent, it is best to think from a toddler’s level and viewpoint. Check which items are appealing and easy to move. Photo frames, decorative pieces, candles, books, and lamps are some items that you need to remove. Similarly, any furniture that is not sturdy and your toddler can easily knock down should be removed.
You can easily store your items till you can decide what to do with them. Public self-storage units are available nationwide. Try renting a storage unit nearby. If you’re living in Kelowna, for instance, search for the best self storage Kelowna offers instead of traveling to a far-off place.
- Ensure kitchen safety:
A kitchen is an unsafe place for toddlers. It contains electrical switches, heavy equipment, and sharp tools. Not to forget that all the cleaning supplies are present there. Therefore, it is crucial to carry out some modifications.
Lock away all sharp objects like knives and scissors in upper cabinets with child locks. Similarly, try to put away spice containers, cleaning supplies, medicines, and lighters out of reach. Place electrical appliances on high surfaces and hide their cords to avert electrical shocks and injuries. Turn off the stovetop and burners right after use and place the stovetop guard to avoid burns.
- Install protective devices:
Numerous areas and items throughout the house are a safety threat to your toddler. From bathrooms to family rooms, there is a need for protective devices to prevent falls and injuries.
Stairs are infamous for falls. Toddlers tend to climb these but fail to come down. Similarly, furniture is a climbing hazard as young children climb over furniture and reach windows or other higher surfaces, resulting in a slip or fall.
Install a safety gate in front of the stairs and try to move your furniture away from windows and other heavy equipment to avoid injuries. Anchor your furniture to the wall along with major equipment like television to prevent them from falling over.
Choose non-slip mats or remove loose rugs to prevent slips, place rubber pads on table edges to prevent head or eye injuries, and attach a hearth gate to avoid burns.
- Check electrical and water systems:
Whether in your family room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, it is essential to cover the electrical outlets. Unprotected switches and open wires can electrocute your toddler and can be fatal. Therefore, try to repair any electrical issues and install safety switches and covers.
As safe as water may seem, it can be lethal. From burns to drowning, water is a significant safety risk. Any water bodies such as pools, bathtubs, and toilets can be a potential threat. Therefore, you should never leave your toddler unattended. Drain any standing water, cover the toilet with its lid, and add doorknob covers to the bathroom door to prevent any chances of drowning. Always test the water temperature when your toddler is around. A temperature above 120 Fahrenheit can result in burns or scalding. For toddlers, keep the water temperature lower and always turn the hot tap off first. Also, install anti-scald devices to prevent burns.
- Test alarms:
Your house must have detectors, even before your child reaches crawling age. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must in any home. Smoke detectors help prevent house fires that commonly occur due to lighters, candles, cooking accidents, and fireplaces. On the other hand, carbon monoxide alarms help detect the presence of this gas that can lead to suffocation and death.
It is necessary to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house, on each floor, and outside each room. After installation, you must constantly test these alarms. Try to change their batteries every twelve months and replace the detectors every ten years for proper safety.
- Prevent suffocation and choking:
Numerous everyday items pose a threat of suffocation for young children. Stuffed toys, plastic bags, and popped balloons can suffocate your child. In addition, loose cords and window blinds can strangle your child’s neck and suffocate them. These items impede oxygen and blood flow to the brain, resulting in loss of consciousness and brain damage. Thus, try to keep such objects out of reach of children and replace cord items with cordless ones.
Choking is another common safety hazard. Small toys, batteries, and crayons can be a common source of choking. Therefore, check the environment in which your child is playing. Remove any small items that your child can choke on. Examine the toys for small parts and remove any toy that can be a potential safety hazard.
- Be mindful of doors:
Now that your child can crawl and walk, they are bound to come in contact with doors. Doors are a chief source of hand and foot injuries for toddlers. Their fingers can easily get stuck in a door or door hinges, resulting in major injuries.
You should try to install hinge protectors and pinch protection equipment to avoid finger and nailbed injuries. Try to keep your child away from doors and be cautious when opening or closing a door. Install stoppers to prevent the door from suddenly opening. Also, get doorknob covers to prevent your child from opening a door easily.
Looking after toddlers is quite a task. Their rapidly developing interest in the world can lead to injuries. Thus, they require constant attention and protection. Keeping the home safe for your toddler’s exploration is vital, and the above tips can help your child discover new things without the fear of a home injury.