Childproof Home
Homes are full of unsafe items and it only takes a second for disaster to strike. There is a lot you can do to lower the chances of your little one getting hurt. Keep in mind you will never be done childproofing your home. As your baby gets older, he or she will be more able to get into messes and trouble. There are plenty of low-cost child proofing tools at local stores and online to help you make your home safer.
The Facts
Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of kids in the U.S. Each year more than 9,000 children die because of injury, and many more are sent to ER’s across the U.S.
Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of kids in the U.S. Each year more than 9,000 children die because of injury, and many more are sent to ER’s across the U.S.
Tips
- Supervision is the best way to keep
your baby from getting hurt.
- Prevent Poisoning:Make sure that all household cleaners, medications, and vitamins are out of your baby’s reach and out of view. If they are in reach, keep them in a cupboards with safety locks.
- Safety locks should be used on all cupboards and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
- Be sure to correctly throw away old or unused medicine.
- Read all medicine labels before giving medicine to your baby.
- Use child-resistant caps.
- Have Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 number set in your phone. Have the number in a place where others in the house can see it. It is free and is open 24/7.
- Use CO and smoke detectors on every level in your home. Also be sure they are in bedrooms. You can buy 2-in-1 smoke and CO detectors.
- Purses are full of unsafe items. Make-up, perfume, eye drops (and many more things) seem harmless, but they are really very dangerous. When eaten or breathed in, these items can hurt your baby. They can bother skin or eyes, cause breathing problems, cause upset stomach, and may even require a trip to the ER.
- Blind Cords: It only takes a second for your baby to become tangled in blinds and minutes for he or she to strangle. You have choices: 1) You can buy cord winders, or 2) You can order free blind safety kits.
- Prevent Falls: Use correct safety gates around the house. Use gates that screw into the wall above stairs. Use tension gates to keep your baby out of rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom.
- Electric Shock: Use outlet covers all on outlets in the house. You should keep cords off the floor and throw away damaged cords.
More Information
To learn more about how
you can make your home safer for your baby, please visit Safe Kids Worldwide,
Kids Health, and Parents. In addition, here are home safety checklists for you to use while childproofing your home.
Test your Knowledge: HERE
Video:
Resources
*This program was created by University of Utah Health Promotion & Education students as part of a capstone project. This program was not created by medical professionals. The information on the Oh Baby Program blog and videos were designed for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace informed medical advice or care. Please consult your family doctor with any questions or concerns you might have about your health or the health of your children. In the event of an emergency dial 911.
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