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When faced with the overwhelming responsibility for the safety of your young child the world can look like a very dangerous place. Cleaning products, sharp corners and a myriad of dangers lurk in every household while public places are rife with germs and stranger danger. Before you succumb to the temptation to wrap your offspring or your entire environment in bubble wrap, let us offer you some sound advice on child proofing and a sensible approach to keeping the wee one safe in the world.
The Kitchen:
Take a good look around your kitchen. Now get down on your hands and knees and view it. Apart from the obvious dust bunnies under the chairs, just take a moment to view the world from a baby, a toddler and a wobbler’s perspective. Vow to cover the plug sockets, get the obvious safety catches for cupboard doors and to move the dog’s water bowl to the outside hall. Beyond this you should also consider cooking at the back of the hob and in the case of big open spaces, employing the use of a room divider to create a safe place for baby. Take note of where the bin is. Babies and children love bins. If it is accessible, then move it. Check if your oven door becomes hot when in use and whether small hands are likely to come into content.
Windows and Blinds:
Children love to climb. If they do make it to the window ledge, ensure that they open outwards and that locks ensure that your child can never open them outwards or inwards. The legislation governing blinds changed in 2014, to make them child safe. Be mindful that cords are wound up, even in houses you visit and that your child will not be exposed to badly fitted or unrestrained cords.
Bathroom:
The toilet bowl is the first obvious target for a wobbling toddler. A toilet lock will ensure no danger from slamming seats, chemical loo blocks and yummy toilet water! Toiletries and cleaning materials should be out of reach. Never leave your child alone in the bath and be vigilant while checking the water temperature. Hot taps in the bath can be hot in themselves. A non slip mat is good for the whole household and essential for parents carrying slippy wet children out of the bathroom.
Fire:
A secured fire guard is essential for open fires and stoves. Choose the right fire guard to ensure complete peace of mind. Radiators can get very hot in winter and should be cordoned off from little ones.
Miscellaneous:
Balloons, grapes and small coins are a choking hazard to very young children. – 1 ¾ inches is the guide, anything that is smaller than this and can fit through is a choking hazard and should be out of reach of children. Plastic bags are also hazardous for children.
Hot drinks. Be vigilant around other adults and visitors who may not realise the capabilities of your child. Ensure that hot drinks are at the centre of the kitchen table and not left unsupervised on coffee tables. Obvious sharp corners and doors that slam easily in the wind can all be made safe by simple purchases at your nearest child’s accessory store.
Be sensible:
Think ahead and scan the house regularly for potential issues. Do not approach child proofing and safety from a perspective of learning from experience. The experience may have a lasting detrimental effect on your loved wee child. Put child safety first at home and remind older siblings, Granddad, Granny and any other visitors of the same.
Stay safe