A child getting hurt in the home is every parent’s nightmare. And unfortunately, these accidents happen often. According to a Stanford Medicine Children’s Health report, about 2,000 children die yearly in the U.S. from preventable home injuries. And sometimes, even the most safety-conscious parents can’t prevent them.
But you can avoid being a part of the statistic and take steps to make your home as safe as possible for your children. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Secure furniture to the walls.
Furniture tipping is one of the leading causes of serious injuries to children in the home. For toddlers, exploring the world by pulling up on furniture and climbing is part of their development. However, this can be very dangerous, especially if items in your home are not adequately secured.
To prevent tipping accidents, you need to secure every piece of furniture, like dressers and bookshelves, to the wall with brackets or straps. This method will help ensure that they don’t fall over if pulled on by curious little ones. You can also use furniture anchors on heavy pieces to keep them from toppling over.
Although it might not be possible to always keep an eye on your child, these extra precautions will give you peace of mind knowing that they’re less likely to get hurt if left unattended for a few minutes.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital for any home, but especially one with small children in it. These devices can save lives by alerting you to a fire or gas leak before it becomes dangerous.
Be sure to install detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and test them regularly to ensure that they’re working properly. Many people forget to maintain their detectors or replace the batteries when they get low. It is a dangerous mistake that could have deadly consequences. So, make it a habit to check the batteries every month and replace them as needed. You should also test the detectors monthly to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
With working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, you’ll have some extra protection against fires and gas leaks. Thus, giving you and your family the safe assurance of a rapid response to any potential dangers.
Use gates to create safe spaces.
If you have young children still crawling or walking, chances are you’re always worried about them getting into places they shouldn’t be—like the stairs or the outdoors. Baby gates can be a lifesaver in these situations, allowing you to create safe spaces for your kids while giving them plenty of room to move around and explore.
For an indoor solution, you can try a pressure-mounted gate that can be easily installed and removed. These are great for use at the top or bottom of stairs and in doorways. Just be sure to choose a tall gate so your child can’t climb over it.
On the other hand, you can get a high-quality Trex deck gate made of weather-resistant materials that withstand years of wear and tear. This type of gate is perfect for using outdoors on your deck or patio, providing a safe place for your kids to play while you’re grilling or relaxing in the sun.
Gates are an easy and effective way to create safe indoor and outdoor spaces for your children. Using a few well-placed gates, you can rest easy knowing that your kids are safe and sound.
Install window guards and locks.
Falls from windows are another one of the leading causes of serious injuries in children. And for young kids, it only takes a few seconds for them to fall out of an open window. That’s why installing window guards and locks on all the windows in your home, even on the second floor, is essential.
Window guards are metal or plastic panels that fit over your window and prevent it from opening more than a few inches. They’re easy to install and can be removed when you want to open the window for fresh air.
Window locks are another effective way to keep kids safe by preventing them from opening the window. These can be placed high up on the window so kids can’t reach them.
By installing window guards and locks, you can rest assured that your children won’t be able to open the windows and fall out. As a result, you can keep your home safe and accident-free.
Making your home safe for children isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Taking some simple precautions can help protect your children from harm and give you peace of mind knowing that they’re as safe as possible when they’re at home. With a bit of effort, you can make your home a haven for your children.
