Most of us think that by investing in car seats, installing stair gates, cupboard locks, and table edge covers, we have all bases covered when it comes to “toddler-proofing”. What we don’t realize is that many unintentional injuries, most of which happen at home, pose real threats to our children. And the culprits are not common poisons or obviously dangerous objects. More often than not, these tragic accidents are caused by everyday and seemingly harmless things that litter our homes.
LIVING ROOM
1. Paint
Lead has been linked to mental problems in children and has been banned since 1986. Those of us who rent or buy houses that are more than 15 years old can be in danger of being poisoned by lead. They can still be in our walls and floors. Nothing is sacred to your toddlers’ exploring fingers and mouths! Have your walls sanded and repainted with lead-free paint.
2. Carpets, curtains, and upholstery
Dust breeds dust mites that live on carpets and fabrics. They thrive on wet and warm conditions. So mop up those milk and water spills! The eggs of the mites are a major irritant to allergy-prone babies, especially to those with history of asthma.
3. Trinkets
Before we had children, we all accumulated a lot of breakables to display in our homes. Your curious toddler will no doubt try to climb your shelves and cabinets just to have a go at your home décor. These breakables can be swallowed, chewed, or gummed, and can break inside your child’s mouth.
4. Rugs
Toddlers have still to master the art of walking. Don’t make it more dangerous by having rugs on slipper floors. Or, invest in non-skid rugs. These have rubber backings that make them cling to the floor, allowing your toddler to walk “skid-free”.
BEDROOM/PLAY ROOM
1. Beds and blankets
We often make the mistake of surrounding our kids with too many pillows and quilts. Beware – this has been known to be a leading cause of infant suffocation. And while toddler might be spared from this because his neck muscles are stronger than those of an infant, some material used to fill the comforters or pillows may cause allergies.
2. Window-blind cords
Those loose cords hanging from your blinds may make your toddler feel like Tarzan as he swings from side to side. His weight may be too much for the cords and he can fall off. Worse yet, he can get tangled up in them and choke.
3. Stuffed animals
These furry toys may give your toddler hours of fun. But they also breed dust mites that can cause eczema or asthma. Remove them from your child’s crib and keep them clean. To kill mites: put the toys in a freezer bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Defrost and wash.
4. Baby walker
Safety organizations actually want to ban the use of walkers because they may tip over and cause serious physical harm to your child. Simple solution: don’t buy one. Studies have shown that babies left in walkers for long periods of time become overly dependent on the support.
KITCHEN
Unpopped corn kernels, peanuts, raw carrots, apple chunks can cause choking. Never ever leave your toddler alone during meal times. Even if he has already shown the ability to chew and swallow, there may be other articles that can accidentally get lodged in his throat. Make sure you prepare his food yourself to get rid of choking hazards.
DINING ROOM
Toddlers love to pull on anything and everything they can get their hands on. Your beautiful tablecloth is not exempt. Make sure you keep your toddler away from the table, especially when it is set. The plates can come crashing down on his head.
BATHROOM
1. Water taps
Those of us who have water heaters should make sure that our toddlers’ exploring fingers do not make their way to the faucet during a bath. The heater makes the taps very hot and can cause scalding. Try to turn down the hot water heater thermostat, or wrap the tap with a rubber material, leaving only the spout open.
2. Pails or buckets
No matter what age they are, children should never be left alone in the bathroom. They can easily topple over and fall head first into a pail or bucket of water. Always make sure you accompany your toddler to the bathroom or ask a helper to do so.
GARAGE
1. Ladder
Ladders should be stored on their side. Otherwise, these can fall on your toddler and cause head injuries.
2. Paint, varnishes, thinners
Nothing is exempt from toddlers’ exploring mouths. These substances, once ingested, are lethal. Keep them hidden and locked away from your child’s view.
3. Car doors
Toddlers love to play with daddy’s car. Make sure car doors are locked to prevent the child from playing inside. Children have been known to release hand brakes accidentally.
4. Power tools
Drills make fun toys because they make lots of noise. So, don’t tempt your son or daughter. Unplug all power tools after use and store them in a locked cabinet.
LAUNDRY AREA
1. Clothes hamper
What kid hasn’t actually spent some time playing inside the hamper? These plastic hampers can actually harm small fingers and toes as they have very sharp edges. They can also easily topple over. Keep the kids away from the hamper and play with them in the garden instead.
2. Washing Machine
Front load or top load, washing machines are always very tempting “play houses”. Make sure the machines’ doors are always closed to prevent your daughter or son from being trapped inside.
As you toddler-proof your home, make sure that every family member, including household help, knows the importance of these safety guidelines. Remember, we can never be too safe. We should take responsibility for our children; they are too young to know the dangers that face them. And remember, accidents happen so quickly but we parents have to live with the consequences all our lives.
