Child Safety: Top 10 Dangers to Babies in the Home You Should Look Out For and Avoid

Safety first is not just a cliché; it is something that should be practiced daily, to the point it becomes second nature, particularly when you have children in the home. Parenting requires utmost dedication to your kids; in fact, it is a full-time job. Babies most times are inquisitive and in their crave for knowledge and discovery, are sometimes exposed to danger right there in the home.

Reports have shown that each year, about 2,000 children ages 14 and below die as a result of home injury and more than 3.5 million visit emergency rooms for injuries that occurred in the home. Alarming isn’t it? But we need to prevent this, by parents being more observant and knowledgeable about objects and items that could pose a threat to their babies in the home.

Here are a list of top 10 dangers to babies in the home that parents should look out for and avoid;

Electrical Outlets and Appliances

Electrical outlets and appliances in the home pose a huge threat to children. Children are inquisitive in nature, and in their quest for finding out, may come across these electrical appliances and outlets. So, it is important to keep them out of their reach. Also, you should unplug all electrical appliances when not in use and ensure you duct tape or use childproof covers on any electrical outlet you have in the home.

Dishwashers

The kitchen is a potential place for hazards in the home. The dishwasher is where you store dishes and kitchen utensils which include sharp objects such as forks and knives and these can be dangerous to your babies if they come across and play with them. Therefore, it is important to baby proof your dishwasher. Also, the detergents use in washing the dishes contain chemicals such as Phosphate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Benzene, Formaldehyde, which can be harmful to your children.

Chemicals

Many of the chemicals in the home are found in detergents, and other kinds of soaps used in and around the house. Detergents contain chlorine bleach, ammonia and other dangerous chemicals that can cause harm to children. So, it is crucial to put these chemicals or materials that contain chemicals out of their reach so they don’t come in contact with them.

Stoves and Gas Cookers

Stove and gas cookers are used in preparing meals in the home, but can also pose a great danger for children. In the process of cooking for example, hot water or oil could be spilled and if there’s a child nearby, it may be spilled on him or her. Also, children in their curious nature, may want to go close to the fire which is dangerous to them. So, when utilizing the stove or gas cooker, please ensure your children are far away from it so as to ensure their safety and prevent any form of mishap in the home.

Small Batteries

Items such as remote control, wall clock, wristwatches, games contain button batteries which can be swallowed by a baby. There was a reported incident of a child who swallowed a battery and the parent did not get to know on time because the child did not exhibit symptoms on time. Later on, the child begun to exhibit cold-like symptoms and the doctors at first thought it was Croup, which is similar to battery-poisoning. Later on, the child was operated on but unfortunately, did not make it. It’s a really sad story. So, parents please be on the look out; observe everything around your child; keep your environment tidy and clean at all times.

Here is the video of the true-life story of a mum who lost her 18-month old daughter after the young girl ingested a button battery.

Sharp Objects

Sharp objects are found in the home. They are in the dishwasher, the doors, the windows, the cupboards, chairs and so much more. However, you can keep them out of your children’s reach and monitor their movements around the house so they don’t get hurt by these objects.

Pets

Pets, such as dogs and cats undoubtedly bond with children as they play with them, however, they are hunters by nature, and also have emotions and mood swings. Sometimes, your pet can become somewhat jealous seeing a new family member in the house, which may be your new baby, as the pet may feel someone is coming to take their space and place, so it is important to get to still make time for your pets even when you have a baby. Don’t make them feel lonely as they can channel negative energies to your baby which can be harmful.

Soft Bumpers, Stuffed Animals and Beddings

Soft bumpers, stuffed animals and beddings, although provide comfort to your kids, can also be harmful to them as they can block a baby’s airway during sleep. So, it is important to rid your baby’s crib or bed of stuffed animals, soft bumpers, and every other thing that can serve as a potential damage to them. The only thing that should be on your baby’s crib is the crib mattress and sheets. If they feel cold, you could cover them with a blanket.

Chairs, Tables and Strollers

High chairs, tables, strollers and swings can be harmful to your baby, particularly in the process of playing with them. So, ensure your babies do not get playful around and with high chairs, tables, strollers and swings in the home.

Windows, Doors and Stairs

It’s important to guide your baby through when climbing the stairs by carrying them. With time, they will learn to climb themselves, but until then, aid them well in doing so. Also, ensure they do not play with windows and doors as they could be injured in the process.

Vital tips to keeping your baby safe at home;

• Baby-proof objects and items that are harmful to your baby such as dishwashers, electrical outlets and appliances;

• Keep your baby out of reach of chemicals, detergents, sharp objects, windows, and high chairs;

• Do not leave your baby unattended to for long;

• Check and cross-check things around the house;

• Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use;

• Practice safe sleeping habits;

• Make sure your baby’s crib is in a smoke-free environment;

• Keep your house clean and tidy;

• Ensure your baby’s pacifiers do not have strings attached to them.

To practice safety, you have to firstly be very observant and then know what could cause potential threat and damage to your babies in the home and avert such. Now you know, share with family and friends too! A safe, danger-free home begins with you!