Bringing home a new baby is a time of joy for your family. Holding your sweet newborn in your arms, you may already be thinking about the household hazards your child could experience when he or she becomes mobile. Our simple list of tips will help you make your home safer for everyone, starting with your baby.
Fire Risk
The risk of fire is one of the most common household hazards your family will face. According to the US Fire Administration, there were over 1.3 million house fires in the US in 2015, though the trend is decreasing. Make sure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. It’s smart to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well. Keep your floors and hallways clear of items that may catch fire and make it more difficult to evacuate your home in case of emergency. Use candles responsibly. Check all your power strips and electrical cords, and avoid overloading outlets.
Pools
Owning a pool is a huge responsibility. Preventing accidental drowning is one of the biggest problems you must solve when planning your outdoor swimming area. Make sure your pool has a four-foot high fence with a locking gate.
It is also wise to put alarms on your doors, letting you know when a child has gotten out without your knowledge. Young children want to explore the pool on their own and they must be protected from doing so. According to SwimJim Swimming Safety, even infants can learn how to swim safely, which will reduce the risk of your children going under. Never take your eyes off a child while swimming, even if they can swim on their own. Also, make sure you have proper safety equipment in and around your swimming area, and learn CPR so you will be prepared if the worst happens.
Poisons and Prescription Medications
Young children are vulnerable to poisoning because they put everything in their mouths. Make sure all of your household chemicals are securely locked away from the reach of children. Better yet, avoid dangerous cleaning chemicals altogether. Children can also be poisoned by taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Keep these locked up, including those belonging to visitors. Adults may carelessly leave medications in a purse accessible to children.
Furniture
Finally, make sure all your case furniture is anchored to the wall. Televisions need to be secured as well. Children may try to climb furniture and be injured when it falls. Furniture anchoring kits are available at any home improvement store and are easy to install with only a few tools. Leaving furniture unsecured is a needless risk.
These safety tips only cover a few areas, but they will give you a great start in making your home safer for your children.
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