Child caution: Keeping your baby away from harm

After having been confined in a womb for so long, it is only natural that very young children develop a healthy sense of curiosity about this strange, new world they have been born into. Babies move as soon as they could: they walk on their knees, they learn to walk using their leg and feet, and before you know it, you will be chasing them as they run around the house. This constant movement definitely has some risks – your child can get bumps and bruises, or worse from seemingly innocent things found around the house. Injury is known to be the primary cause of death in those who are below 14 years of age. More than a third of these injuries actually occur at home. A simple injury can turn into something life-threatening.

The following measures can be taken in order to avoid injury and completely baby proof your home:

1. Adult supervision. Leaving the baby crawling around on the floor or soaking in the tub while you answer the phone can have consequences that you will regret later on. If you really cannot help but leave the child as you do other chores, put him or her in the crib, playpen, or other areas that are surrounded by bars so that your child will be kept safe.

2. Water. Small children are very susceptible to drowning. Swimming pools at home should be fenced, with a small gate that can be locked. Even if it is just a few inches deep, babies can still drown because they cannot control the weight of the upper part of their bodies yet. They can topple in when they lean too far into buckets or toilets, and they can get stuck and drown. These water storages should never be kept around the house, and all bathroom doors should be kept closed.

3. Heat. Many babies who have been rushed to the emergency room were scalded by bathwater that may have been too hot, or from touching hot food as their parents are cooking. To avoid these, make sure that the water for bath time is never higher than 120 degrees, and keep the handles of the pans turned towards the side so that your child won’t be able to reach them.

4. Suffocating and choking. Because of their curiosity, babies often put things in their mouths – a mechanism developed by evolution to learn about the environment. Babies can choke over plastic bags and inflated or deflated latex balloons. For small infants, their cribs should be free of pillows or stuffed toys, and tiny toy bits should always be tidied up.

5. Electricity. Wall sockets and other outlets should be covered. Cords of electric appliances should be tucked away or else kept out of children’s reach. Make sure that you have covered all possible sockets and outlets before letting your child play inside any room.

6. Heavy furniture. Babies hold on to anything to help them to stand up. Furniture that has not been attached securely onto the wall can end up toppling over them. Special straps that have been made with this in mind are available in any market today.

7. Pesticides, detergents, and other possible allergens. Cabinets where you store pesticides and detergents should always be locked or else placed way above the child’s head. Instruct everyone to leave their shoes at the door when entering the house so as to prevent the spreading of germs caught in the soles. If you keep potted plants around the house, make sure to keep these out of reach as well.

8. Sharp edges. Possible traps include the hearth and fireplace. These should be baby-proofed so that your child will not get into a tough spot. All sharp edges should have padding as well.

Related information

October 10, 2008 | Filed Under Baby safety