According to a study by the Home Safety Council in
America, home injuries cause 21 million medical visits and nearly
20,000 deaths each year in America. The safety needs of children are
usually not taken into consideration in the design and furnishing of
most homes, and many parents are unaware of potential dangers until an
injury occurs. BabySafe aims to raise awareness of home safety issues
and make it easier for parents to create a safer living environment for
their children, while still giving children freedom to explore.
These tips will help you safeguard against potential dangers
within your home:
• Many contents of kitchen cupboards and drawers may be
very harmful to children. For example, most cleaning detergents are
toxic and may be lethal when ingested by children. Sharp objects, such
as knives, are also very dangerous in the hands of children.
Even plastic bags are hazardous as they may cause suffocation and
choking. Certain foods may also pose a choking hazard to babies.
Cupboards containing any of these contents should therefore be
adequately locked to prevent babies and toddlers access to these.
• Burns are one of the leading causes of
childhood injuries in the home, and most of these injuries occur in the
kitchen. Babies and young children have very sensitive skin that needs
extra protection, and their curious natures leave them susceptible to
burns. Never leave your child unsupervised in the kitchen and never
hold a baby or small child while cooking. Block access to the stove as
much as possible and use the back stove plates whenever possible. When
using the front stove plates, ensure that the handles of pots and pans
are turned inwards away from the stove edge. Do not leave a boiling
kettle, hot drinks and foods near the edge of a counter or table. These
should be kept out of your child’s reach, along with matches,
lighters and lit candles. Also ensure that the cords of
appliances, such as kettles and irons, are not left dangling where your
child can pull on them.
• Most babies and toddlers love water, and
this love should not be discouraged, however, it is important to bear
in mind that water can be fatal if not treated carefully. Babies can
drown in only 2 inches of water. Do not leave a child unattended in a
bath and keep all toilets locked with a reliable toilet lock.
• Medicines, including vitamins, can be
extremely dangerous if swallowed by babies and young children. These
should always be kept in a locked cupboard or drawer. Other items in your
bathroom, such as toothpaste, perfumes, soaps, lotions, deodorant and
mouthwash can be dangerous if ingested, and should also be kept in a
locked cupboard or drawer, along with razors and razor blades.
