You love your child more than anything, and you have taken every precaution to ensure his or her safety. Have you, though? Sure, you’ve covered every electrical outlet, moved all sharp objects and household toxins out of reach, and even put bumpers pads on all your furniture. Still, Parents magazine reports there are household safety hazards that surprise many. Here are four of them for your information, and some steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Your Dishwasher
Who would’ve thought that your beloved dishwasher could be a safety hazard to your little ones, but it can be. First, dishwasher pods are poisonous, as are your laundry pods, and many toddlers think they are the perfect size to stick in their mouths. Also, when you load your cutlery and flatware into the unit, you open tiny hands up to the sharp items if you load them stem down. The number one safety rule when it comes to your dishwasher is to keep the door closed at all times and don’t put the detergent in the cup until you’re ready to run it. It’s also a good idea to load cutlery and flatware top down.
2. Balloons
These fun party favors can actually kill your child if you purchase latex ones. According to Parents, “Since 1973, more than 110 children have choked to death when chewing on or blowing up latex balloons.” The reason this material is so dangerous is that it expands and fills a child’s throat, which prevents breathing completely. Mylar balloons are safer than latex ones, and you should never leave your child alone when he or she is blowing up or playing with a balloon, even if it’s full and won’t fit into his or her mouth. Besides, should it pop, your child may become frightened and need you.
3. Bedding
Fluff isn’t as great as it might seem. Yes, you envision your child sleeping through the night cuddled in warm softness, but too much fluff can cause suffocation. As your child sleeps, he or she sinks deeper into the cuddly bedding or rolls and scoots toward overly soft padding. Should your child roll over and end up face down in fluffy bedding, well it’s too frightening to mention. Avoid this danger by placing your child on his or her back when its bedtime. Make certain the crib or bed’s mattress if firm, and that the bedding fits tight around the mattress. You can even tuck the blanket in.
4. Automobile Windows
This danger won’t be covered by your auto and homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh or wherever you live. Kids and cars as a whole isn’t a safe combination, but your power windows can maim, crush, and even kill. The nonprofit child-advocacy group Kids and Care says 28 deaths have been associated with kids and power windows. Your little ones can get their fingers, arms, and even their heads stuck in them, so it’s crucial you make certain you have an automobile that has child locks for the windows and doors. Also, never raise the windows yourself without ensuring your kids and their fingers are out of them.
You love your children and not a single person doubts that. Still, kids are curious by nature and they will do and get into things they aren’t supposed to. Observe your children and think about things that might tempt them, such as an open dishwasher and the flatware baskets, and take necessary steps to prevent tragedy. Talk with your family members and friends who have little ones and share safety approaches. Finally, learn from accidents, whether your kids or others to prevent future ones. When you do your best to keep your kids safe, they will remain safe.
