How to make your home child safe

Do you consider your home a safe place? More importantly, do you consider it a CHILD safe home! . Skill rating : Beginner

Introduction...

Do you consider your home a safe place? More importantly, do you consider it a CHILD safe home!

We quickly learn as parents, that from the moment your child is able to crawl, you need to worry even more about their health and safety, eyes in the back of your head, as it were. From the moment they become mobile – earlier, preferably - its time to take a good look around the home, because there are a few important precautionary safety measures you will need to take care of.

Every year thousands of children are hurt around the home. In many cases they could have been prevented. Obviously we can’t foresee every eventuality, but there are a lot of quite obvious steps we can take to ensure the safety of our little ones.

1: A lot of it is just common sense

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Common sense combined with one or two easy-to-use safety products and the right tools can make your home a safer place for the whole family. Naturally, mishaps and accidents will happen from time to time - its almost inevitable – but the more you can do to minimise risk, the more you reduce that risk.

A lot of it is just common sense

2: Thank goodness for safety gates

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One of the first things to do is install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways. Safety gates, should be securely fitted so they don’t give way when pushed or leant upon. Many parents use more than one safety gate. Many find a safety gate fitted into the kitchen is a good idea, especially when they are crawling around at pace, and can be under your feet before you realise they have become bored playing in the lounge, and have decided to come and see what you’re doing…with that pan of hot water, or hot baking tray in your hand – tugging at your feet or skirt!...a recipe for an accident

Thank goodness for safety gates

3: Windows

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How are your windows? do they open out fully? If they do, then they are a potential hazard. In this case you must fit good quality locks that will prevent them from being opened more than 10 cm. Child safety window locks may not seem a priority when they are just crawling over the floor, as yet unable to stand and toddle about: but they soon will be!

When possible, ensure windows and doors not in regular use are locked to keep kids from climbing out or jamming their fingers.

Windows

4: Cords attached toblinds are very,very,dangerous. Beware

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One very important household item you should look at closely is the cords attached to window blinds. Sadly, there have been a number of tragedies associated with cords on window blinds. Ideally, fit and use a cord windup device to prevent strangulation hazards. Where this is not possible, then make sure the cords are not just left dangling for children to pull on and play with. Especially windows next to cots, and beds.

Cords attached toblinds are very,very,dangerous. Beware

5: Electrical sockets and plugs

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Electrical sockets at almost ground level are something interesting, something to be explored fully by toddlers as they practise their new found skills; they’re something to grab hold of – perfect for poking with wet, sticky fingers.

Even plugged sockets should be considered as you look to make your home child safe. In many homes, there is often an array of sockets, plugs and extension leads behind home entertainment systems; this is a dangerous place for toddlers and crawlers to be exploring.

Electrical sockets and plugs

6: Doors, fires, and floors

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Clear glass doors are no doubt confusing for the very young: so why not apply decals or decorations to sliding glass doors to help prevent bumping or walking into them.

Do you have you a wooden floor? Do you have rugs that slide about? This is another area that results in bumps and bruises. If you feel this is a potential hazard, then attach non skid backing tape to the area of the rugs.

Fires are one of the biggest risks in the home. Common sense tells us to ensure we have adequate fire guarding: whether the fire is real, gas or electric.

In summary, these are just a very few safety hazards around the home…but by now you’ll be focussed on the subject of child safety around the home… and will realise there are many more.

Clear glass doors are no doubt confusing for the very young. Apply decals or decorations to sliding glass doors to help prevent bumping or walking into them.

Fires are one of the biggest risks in the home. Common sense tells us to ensure we have adequate fire guarding: whether the fire is real, gas or electric.

In summary, these are just a very few safety hazards around the home…but by now you’ll be focussed on the subject of child safety around the home… and will realise there are many more.