The human mind loves discovering and learning new things irrespective of their age and state. Our mind is curious and anxious to know beyond what we can see, to cross the horizon before us and seek newer opportunities; luckily we are born with this trait. This is the trait that led us from caves to sky scrapers. However, as it is said, curiosity kills the cat. This can be the case with our little toddlers who are eager to uncover the mysteries that intrigue them, and get hurt in the process. Being parents we cannot, and should not stop our child from growing mentally and physically, however we need to take care that they don’t hurt themselves.
Parents take a lot of care in making sure their children are safe from strangers and abduction, but often forget the dangers at home. As we all want the best for our children, we should take the necessary steps to keep our children safe and away from fatal injuries.
Check The Baby’s View:
Get down on your hands and knees and check the baby’s view. See the things in reach that the child might find attractive. This will help you figure out which cupboards, drawers, and other spaces your child might get into. As he starts walking and climbing, you’ll have to reevaluate again, looking higher each time.
Lock Away The Poisons:
Not like we keep poisons at home, but the regular pain killers, cough syrups, anti pesticide sprays, lotions etc can be toxic for the child if swallowed. Hence lock up all these things in a highly placed cabinet.
Lock The Toilet Seats:
It might seem like an impractical step, but children take unexpected steps and can fall into the toilet. Install toilet locks to keep toilet lids closed. Children are more top-heavy than adults and can lean and fall into a toilet easily. They also can drown in just one inch of water.
Cover The Switches:
If you can afford it, then install switch covers that can be lock and the child id unable to open them. Children have a habit of poking their fingers into electrical switches, which we all know is extremely dangerous. However if you are unable to afford such an equipment to cover the switches, then tape all the switch holes. It’s preferred that you keep the upper ones un-taped for your personal use as your child cannot reach them, but the lower ones should be taped.
Stair Gates:
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs and in the doorways of rooms with hazards. Gates with expanding pressure bars should not be used for the top of staircases. Use gates hardware-mounted to the door frame instead.
Change The Lids:
The lids of things such as chests, where people often keep toys, should not be free falling ones. Such lids can cause the child’s fingers, or worse; head, to come in between and get hurt.
Things That Choke:
Keep an eye out for tiny objects that your baby could choke on. Pick up any coins, marbles, beads, paper clips, and other small objects you find on low tables or the floor or in low drawers or cupboards.
Older Children’s Toys:
If your toddler has older siblings, chances are that they are of the age when they love playing with ‘Lego’, ‘Mechano’ or other such toys. Instruct your older children to pick up their toys after they play and make sure their baby sister or brother doesn’t choke on any of those things.
Large or heavy bookcases, dressers, and appliances are real hazards: Bolt whatever you can to the wall. Babies push these furniture items a lot. Place the heavy material on the base, and the lighter ones on the top. Make sure to keep these things against a wall so the child can not push them. Some children scale counters, bookcases, and anything else they can grab on to. Place floor lamps behind other furniture so that their base is out of your child’s reach.
