As a parent, you need to keep your baby safe at all times. Many things and situations at home that look safe to you may prove dangerous for your child. Sharp-edged furniture, high beds, breakable items within your toddler’s reach, unlocked bathroom and kitchen doors and more—the list is endless. Today, we will look at some ways to ensure your child’s safety at home.
Safety at Home
Infants and toddlers spend most of their time inside the house. Here are certain tips for keeping them safe indoors:
- Make your infant sleep on a firm bed. Always make them sleep on their back.
- If your baby sleeps in the crib, remove extra blankets, pillows, toys, and other items in the crib to avoid suffocation.
- Don’t leave your baby unattended in the water tub during bath time. Keep all tubs, buckets, and water containers empty when not in use.
- Lock your bathroom and kitchen door if not in use.
- Store household cleaning products out of reach of toddlers.
- Cosmetic, makeup items, sanitizers, and medicines should also be kept locked.
- Avoid storing poisonous substances such as rat poison, acids, and insecticides in the house. If you have a garage or garden room, store these items there.
- Do not keep inflammable items within the baby’s reach.
- Avoid holding your infant or toddler while cooking. If you have to cook with them around, make sure to keep them at a distance from the gas stove.
- Avoid drinking hot beverages while holding your child.
- Be careful when giving your child toys with batteries or small parts. If the child swallows something while playing, immediately rush to the ER.
- Never leave your child unattended on an open balcony, terrace, or window. If possible fix grills on your balcony and windows.
- Use safety gates at the bottom and top of the stairs to stop your child from crawling or climbing up and down the stairs.
- If you have unsteady or top-heavy furniture, wall-mounted TV and cabinets, then secure them properly so that they do not fall on your child even if he/she pulls at them.
Safety at Play
- Teach them how to swim. However, never leave them unattended in the pool.
- Put the helmet on if they go skating or cycling.
- Choose the right car seat.
- Buckle them up properly during a ride.
- Be around when they play in the park.
- Teach them not to talk to strangers or take anything from people they do not know.
- Watch them when they slide or swing in the park.
- Always buy age-appropriate toys.
- Do not send your child on play dates to houses of people you don’t know well.
