The Untold Truth Of How Your Home Could Put Your Little Ones In Danger

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The Englishman’s home is his castle, or so they say. But are we right to put so much trust in the places where we live? We certainly spend the majority of our time there. But that also means that there are lots of mishaps and accidents that happen in our precious homes. If you have young kids, then this can be a real nightmare. So read on to find out about the hazards that you may have missed and to see how to neutralize them.

Water

First of all, anyone with a child knows that they have to be kept safe around water. Kids should never be left alone around bodies of water like ponds, swimming pools or even full baths. They could even climb into the cupboard if you’re not careful!

It’s really important that you teach them from an early age to be cautious of water. It’s also vital that you get the balance right. As you don’t want them to be so scared that they have trouble learning to swim or enjoying a paddling pool come summer time. Swimming lessons help too, they teach them to go to the side of the pool and how to get out.

There are also some less obvious safety issues surrounding water in your home and garden that you need to be aware of. These include protecting your children from hot taps, which you can do with a gizmo like this.

If you have a boiling water tap in the kitchen, make sure that it is well out of the kid’s reach and that the safety features are on so they cannot operate them.

Heights

One of the most difficult things to baby proof in any home is against heights. It’s hard to put yourself into the mind of a toddler and realize which surface they may climb, or not realize are dangerous. Particular problem areas include stairs, banisters, and shelves, which can act as an inviting ladder to a child.

However, there are things that you can do to minimize the risk of a height related accident involving your child. First of all, use a child gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. Then you will know that as long as you have closed the gates, they are safe, whichever floor you are on.

Also, high platforms should be enclosed with handrails for verandas and decking. These still allow a great view but make sure that there is no fall hazard for young children.

It also vital that you bolt your shelves to the wall with brackets. This stops them falling over onto the child if the pull at them too vigorously or try to climb.

Electricity

Most parents know the dangers that electricity can pose. That is why you can buy plug covers to stop children shoving their fingers into the sockets. However are you also aware of loose wires that are not immediate only display?

If you have connections that are coming undone, remember that kids are surprisingly adept at getting into hard to reach places. That is why these things need to be dealt with as soon as you see them going wrong. Don’t wait until you think it necessary to fix them, do it right away.

Chemicals

Of course, most houses will have a range of chemical in the form of cleaners, washing powders, soaps, and shampoos. What we can often forget is that kids explore their world with their mouths when they are young. This combination can be a dangerous one.

To stop the risk from chemicals to your kids, first keep all chemicals including medications out of reach in high cupboards. If you do have to keep washing powder or bleach in low cupboards, makes sure you get a cupboard lock. These come in the form of plastic catches or magnetic lock, which only you have the release key for.

Bump Hazards

Have you ever had a really busy day, when you aren’t giving too much attention to what you are doing? Noticed the bruises that you end up with because you have unknowingly bumped into things? Well, imagine what it would be like for a toddler, whose sense of spatial awareness and coordination hasn’t fully developed yet. That why its essentials to address bump hazards in the home.

One of the worst offenders is the common table, be it coffee or dining. It the sharp corners on square and rectangular tables that need the most attention. These can really hurt your little one if they crash into them full pelt, and can be a serious risk of concussion or eye injury.

You can move the table so that they are fewer corners facing into the room. Or if its not possible to move around your living space, then get some corner guards which will soften the corners, so they aren’t so sharp.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post, all opinions are my own

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