As a baby starts to crawl and then walk they become more independent and can move around the house by themselves. This places them in dangerous situations on a regular basis as sharp corners, stairs and everyday appliances threaten their safety. The Child Accident Prevention Trust estimated that approximately one million children are injured at home every year with burns, cuts and poisoning being the most common ailments. It is a parent’s responsibility to make the home as safe as possible, reducing the chance of accidents happening. The advice below is intended to make any house safer for a crawling, waddling or walking child.
Exploring is natural in every child and they are eager to discover the different rooms in their home. Doorways are a hive of activity where young children are concerned. Installing door edge protectors onto your doors will protect both the material and your child from scratches and minor grazes and cuts that can be caused by splinters and sharp corners. You can also fix a door stop onto the doors so that little fingers and toes can’t get trapped in them.
As mentioned above; burns are a common injury that many children experience. This is usually caused in the kitchen or bedroom. The oven is a burner, so keep your child away from the oven door and only use the back rings on the hob so that they cannot reach them. Hair straightening appliances should be kept out of the reach of children until they have cooled down completely. Don’t light candles around children and if you have a fire on, shield it with a fire guard.
The mouth is what children use most to explore new things. This is a disaster when it comes to inedible bits and pieces under the sofa and medicines left lying around. Make sure that anything which could harm your child is kept in a child-proof container or out of reach. Poisonous substances can kill children, even everyday household products, so make sure there is no opportunity for a child to get their hands on anything dangerous.
