Living Room Safety

Toppling furniture is a serious hazard that can be fatal. Children climbing on furniture can cause bookshelves, TV stands, and other heavy pieces to fall. Secure such items to the wall using furniture anchors or straps. Modern flat-screen TVs, especially large ones, can be top-heavy and should also be mounted to the wall or strapped securely to their stands.

Coffee tables, bookcases, and other living room furniture often have sharp corners. Use edge and corner guards on any furniture within a child’s reach to minimize the risk of injury if a child falls or bumps into them.

Electrical cords pose a tripping hazard and may tempt children to chew or tug on them, risking electric shock. Keep cords tidy and out of sight, using cord organizers or cord covers. For outlets, especially those within a child’s reach, use safety plugs or outlet covers to prevent children from inserting objects or their fingers.

Window blind cords can present a strangulation hazard for young children. Use cordless window coverings if possible, or ensure cords are kept short and out of reach. Consider retrofitting existing blinds with safety devices that can securely tuck away cords.

If you have a fireplace, use a safety gate to create a barrier between the fireplace and your child. This should be a heat-resistant gate that can stand up to the warmth generated by a fireplace. Additionally, keep all fireplace tools and lighters out of a child’s reach.

It’s important to have a dedicated space for storing toys when they are not in use to prevent tripping hazards. Low shelves that allow for easy clean-up and soft toy bins are good options. Make sure toy chests do not have a heavy, free-falling lid that could close on a child.

Regularly scan the room for small objects such as coins, buttons, or batteries that could pose a choking hazard, and ensure these are kept within reach. Keep plants that could be toxic to children in places they can’t access, and be vigilant about ensuring no sharp objects or tools are left within a child’s grasp.

 

Kitchen Safety

Children are naturally curious and will explore drawers and cabinets. To keep them safe, install safety latches to prevent access to items such as knives, breakable dishes, and cleaning products. These tools are simple to operate for adults, ensuring the kitchen remains functional for cooking and storage.

Young children may reach for stove knobs, which is a risk for burns and fires. Stove knob covers are designed to prevent children from turning the knobs. Appliance locks can be used on ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, reducing the likelihood of accidents involving appliances being opened or activated.

When cooking, always turn the pot handles inward to prevent children from grabbing them and causing spills that can lead to burns. Teaching children to stay clear of the stove while cooking and closely supervising them can avert potential dangers.

Be diligent about where you store harmful substances. This includes household cleaners, vitamins, and alcohol which should be locked away or placed in high cabinets, well out of a child’s reach.

Children may be tempted to open the dishwasher, especially during or immediately after a cycle, when items inside may be sharp or hot. Rinse dishes of leftover cleaning detergent, and close the dishwasher immediately after use. Teach children that the dishwasher is not a toy and always supervise them if they are assisting with loading or unloading.

To prevent scalding, it is advisable to set your water heater to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is especially important in the kitchen where hot water is often used for cleaning and cooking.

Equip your kitchen with a functional fire extinguisher, and ensure every adult in the home knows its location and how to operate it. Place the extinguisher in an easy-to-access spot, ideally near an exit.

Teach children about the dangers in the kitchen and the importance of acting responsibly in this space. Always supervise children when they are in the kitchen, especially if they are helping with cooking or baking.

 

Bathroom Safety

Drowning can occur in minimal amounts of water, which means even a toilet or a bucket can pose a risk. To mitigate this danger, always supervise children during bath time, never leaving them unattended for even the shortest period. Consider installing toilet seat locks to prevent toddlers from opening the lid, and empty all bathtubs, buckets, and sinks immediately after use.

Place non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the bathroom floor to provide better traction for little feet. Secure bath mats with suction grips that fasten to the floor, ensuring they do not move out of place.

Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to decrease the risk of scalding. Always test bath water with your hand before allowing a child to enter the tub. Faucet covers can provide extra protection against both heat and hard metal edges.

Keeping medications, razors, cosmetics, and cleaning products out of children’s reach is vital. Use high shelves, or better yet, locked cabinets for storing these items. Children can mistake medication for candy or become curious about brightly colored cleaning supplies. Keeping these items securely away from young ones is an important safety measure.

Electrical appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors should be unplugged, stored safely after use, and kept out of reach. Ensure that outlets are fitted with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock, especially in wet environments like the bathroom.

Although privacy is important, interior bathroom door locks can pose a problem if a child locks themselves in. It’s advisable to use doorknob covers that prevent children from turning the knobs or install locks that can be easily opened from the outside.

 

Bedroom Safety

Ensure your crib meets current safety standards with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and without drop sides. The mattress should fit snugly within the crib frame, and the crib should be free of pillows, large stuffed animals, and heavy blankets to reduce the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Consider using an air purifier to maintain clean air quality, and regularly check ventilation for proper airflow. For older homes, have a professional check for lead-based paint or asbestos if there are any concerns.

Rugs and carpets can cushion the floor, making it safer for play. If a child falls out of bed or is simply playing on the floor, a soft surface can minimize injuries. Non-slip pads under rugs will keep them in place.

 

Outdoor Safety

If your home has a swimming pool, it’s imperative to have it surrounded by a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate that children cannot easily open. Equip the pool with rescue equipment and a first aid kit. All caregivers should be knowledgeable about basic water rescue procedures and CPR.

Inspect playground equipment regularly for signs of wear and tear, rusting, or loose fittings. All playground structures should be securely anchored to the ground and positioned on a soft surface, such as wood chips, sand, or rubber, to cushion falls. Keep play equipment clean, checking for spider webs or insect nests that could harm children. Swing seats should be made of soft material to reduce injury, and the placement of swings should allow for a safe distance from other equipment.

Ensure that all gardening tools and chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and weed control substances, are stored in a locked shed or a secure area. If you have a lawn, inspect it for hazards such as sharp sticks, stones, or hidden obstacles like holes or sprinkler heads.

Check the perimeter fence for stability and repair any loose parts or gaps where a child could get through or get stuck. Lock any gates to prevent children from wandering out and to keep uninvited animals or strangers from entering.

Educate children about driveway safety, ensuring that they understand the risks of moving vehicles. Provide a clear physical boundary, like a fence or shrubs, between play areas and the driveway, and keep it free of toys, bikes, and balls that might entice a child into this potentially hazardous area.

Trim branches from trees that are within children’s reach, and monitor weather conditions, bringing children inside if there is a risk of thunderstorms or other dangerous weather. Ensure children dress appropriately for the weather to prevent sunburn or overheating in summer and hypothermia or frostbite in winter.

Even with play structures deemed safe and a secured pool area, children should always be supervised while outside to ensure their safety. Open lines of communication about the importance of outdoor safety will support your child’s understanding of the risks and how they can help to keep themselves safe.