Just keeping a close eye on the child at all times does not ensure the child’s safety. A child can be harmed in an unforeseen way in a matter of seconds. Strangely, while the home is seen as a haven, it is also the most prevalent setting for kid fatalities.
As an adult, you may believe that baby-proofing is all you need to do to keep your munchkin safe. However, your adult-free house remains the most dangerous location for your child to suffocate, fall, drown, get burns, or even die. I don’t intend to terrify you but rather to educate you on the matter. Some efforts, strict supervision, and care on your part may spare your child from disaster.
Here are some accidents you can prevent to keep your child safe:
1. Home Fire Accidents
Because house fires are the leading cause of death, you must do all in your power to prevent them. A house can catch fire for various reasons, including electrical faults, defective equipment, cooking mishaps, candles, cigarettes, and more. As a result, you should never leave your kitchen unattended while cooking. You should also be cautious while using a stove or a gas burner.
Never utilize defective equipment; instead, get it fixed or replaced. You may not know it, cleaning kitchen extract ducts can prevent household fires by removing the dirt particles that can catch fire. Besides, keep your child away from lighters and match sticks. In addition, install a smoke alarm in each room to alert you in the event of an emergency.
2. Glass Accidents
For children, broken glass is hazardous. A single cut in the wrong place might endanger your child’s life. As a result, it is suggested that you only wear safety glasses at home. Apply a shatter-resistant coating to glasses throughout your home to offer an extra layer of protection.
3. Poisonous Accidents
Children are naive and do not know anything. What seems like a harmless cleaner, detergent, soap may take their lives. These standard household products contain chemicals that, when a child consumes, cause major harm. Hence, store them along with other chemical-containing items and medicines up high in a locked cabinet to prevent your child from getting poisoned.
4. Water Accidents
This works 100% with adult supervision. Whenever you are around water bodies, such as baths, pools, rivers, and so on, strictly supervise your child. Do not avert your attention, even for a second. If your home has a pool, it must be surrounded by a fence and secured by a self-locking gate. This is to prevent your child from going into the pool when they are out without your knowledge. Pay 100% attention while bathing your kid. Do not leave the kid alone, no matter what unexpected thing you got to do. After all, you don’t want your kid to die of drowning.
5. Furniture Accidents
You may believe that furniture is harmless, and this is where most parents go wrong. Children are always rushing around the home, and with furniture in the way, there is a greater possibility that they may stumble, fall, and get injured. Also, those with sharp edges may hurt the child in severe ways, such as eye damage. As a result, ensure that the furniture in your home is strong enough to withstand your child’s pulling. Cushion the sharp edges with foam or corner padding as well. This greatly eliminates any potential danger and keeps your child safe at home.
6. Burn Accidents
There are numerous measures you can take to keep your child safe from burns. To begin, keep children away from hot items and open flames, such as gas, ovens, and other appliances. Next, keep hot foods and beverages away from them. Also, ensure that the bathwater temperature is suitable, i.e., 37-38 degrees. Also, keep them away from backyard fireworks, campfires, and barbecues, among other things.
7. Fall Accidents
It is better if you are familiar with your child’s ability to prevent fall injuries. As they grow up, they begin to explore their houses and venture to other areas. Install safety doors over steps, rooftops, and balconies for a crawling child. Keep beds, tables, and other climbable things away from windows and doors if your child has started to climb. It’s also a good idea to be extra careful by locking windows and installing window barriers. Also, never leave your child unsupervised in a high place, such as a bed. All of these precautions are required to avoid fall injuries.
Accidents are unavoidable, regardless of your efforts. Instead of panicking, you should provide emergency treatment for your child. Being trained in first aid and CPR wherever you go is the one way to go. Keep emergency phone numbers on your phone as well for quick help.
