Keeping your Toddler Safe from the Hidden Dangers in your Home

You might not realise it, but your home is a dangerous place for toddlers. There are lots of things that aren’t necessarily dangerous on their own, but with a curious child on the move, can be harmful. To keep your home safe and secure and to avoid accidents, you need to look at your home from your toddler’s point of view.

Things that don’t seem dangerous, or even seem ordinary, to you can be dangerous for little hands. The best way to baby-proof your home is to actually get on the floor and look at your home from a child’s point of view and then take necessary safety measures.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are extremely dangerous and can even be lethal for kids. Some products can burn skin and eyes and are toxic if ingested. The problem is that these bottles and containers look fun and exciting to toddlers and are often kept within their reach. Cupboards under sinks and closet floors are common places to keep these things, but this is exactly where your toddler will explore.

The Fix: The easiest way to fix this danger is to store cleaning products completely out of reach of children. Store them on shelves that are up high so curious hands can’t find them. Another option is to use cupboard locks that are designed to be child proof, but let you get inside easily.

Stairways

Stairways are dangerous for babies and even toddlers who aren’t quite steady on their feet yet. We often think stairs are only a danger when a child is at the top, because she can easily tumble down. This is true, but they are also dangerous from the bottom. A toddler learning to walk could attempt to climb the stairs, lose her balance and then fall.

The Fix: Use a stair gate. However, don’t just use any stair gate. Pressure mounted and u-frame gates aren’t safe to use for stairs because they can easily be pushed down by your toddler and pose a tripping hazard. Go with a gate that is attached to the wall or banister and that doesn’t open over the stairs, but opens away from them.

Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are another well-known home danger for children. These make the perfect place to push toys, scissors and other objects, which can lead to electrocution. You may not realise how many electrical outlets you have in each room, but your baby will find them. Get down on your hands and knees and locate each outlet.

The Fix: Find all the outlets in your home and use outlet covers to protect your child. It’s important to keep in mind that these can be removed, so they won’t replace your direct supervision. But, they can deter curious fingers and make it harder for your child to get to the outlet.

Curtain Ties and Blind Cords

Curtain ties and blind cords are extremely dangerous to toddlers. These strings hang down and dangle just at your child’s height, making them a tempting target. Toddlers can easily reach for these and get tangled up in them, which can lead to strangulation.

Another problem with these cords is that toddlers can easily grab and pull on them to steady themselves as they stand up. This can actually pull blinds and window treatments off the wall, causing them to come crashing down on your child.

The Fix: Loop all curtain and blind cords up over the top of the fixture or tie them up high where your child can’t reach them. Every time you use the cord remember to put it back out of reach.

The Bathtub

The bathtub seems innocent enough, but it poses a very real danger. Children can drown in even very small amounts of water. Even if your child isn’t in the tub, he could fall into it headfirst, which is very dangerous.

The Fix: The best way to keep your toddler safe around the bathtub is to supervise him. Never leave your child unattended in the tub. When you are filling the tub, close the bathroom door or keep your child out of the room so he can’t fall in.

Baby bathtubs make it easier to bathe your baby, but can provide a false sense of security. Even when you use one of these, supervise your baby the entire time.



Small Toys and Objects

Small toys and objects are a choking hazard. If you’re a parent, you know that babies and toddlers have a way of finding even the smallest objects in a large room. These objects are interesting to small children, who will likely try to chew on them or eat them.

The Fix: Only let your child play with age-appropriate toys and keep all small objects out of her reach. This is easier said than done but is possible. Keep small things up high or inside locked cupboards and don’t set them down on tables or other areas where your child can easily grab them when you turn your back.

The Television and Other Heavy Appliances
Believe it or not, your television is actually dangerous to your toddler. Every year, kids injure themselves by accidentally puling televisions down over them. Televisions, microwaves, heavy vases and kitchen appliances can all fall on a child who tries to reach for them or pull herself up on the stand holding them.

The Fix: Make sure your entertainment centre is very sturdy and that your television isn’t teetering on the edge of the shelf. Do the same for other heavy appliances and decorations. Supervise your child to make sure she doesn’t try to climb up bookcases or tables that could fall on top of her.

It’s true that your home is full of dangers that can harm your child. But, by taking the right steps and supervising your child carefully, you can avoid dangerous situations and accidents. The key is to look at your home the way your child sees it and then store things out of reach or take proper safety precautions.





Lindam are the experts when it comes to babyproofing and are the leading child home safety brand in the UK. Visit the Lindam website for more advice, information and to buy online.