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It can feel like a full time job to keep kids safe at home. You would be amazed by how many everyday things can become hazards for the curious little hands and adventurous minds. Children are very talented at finding trouble in the most unusual of places, and even the most typical household items can be dangerous. Even if it seems harmless for us, it’s not for little ones.
We can’t put bubble wrap around our homes, so it is helpful to know what to watch more closely with kids present. Knowing what items can cause accidents in the home can go a long way towards preventing them. If you have young ones, here’s a look at some of the things you may want to keep out of reach or lock away.
Detergent Pods
Detergent pods are bright, squishy and irresistibly appealing to kids but are loaded with highly concentrated chemicals that can cause harm if swallowed or touched. Very often these tiny pods will appear like little candy to a child, but a child who takes a bite out of one of these things can become very sick or it can actually end in a chemical burn. These should be best stored in high cabinets or locked area safe.
Medications
One of the top hazards for kids is pills and other medications. A small dose of adult medication can harm a young child. Medicine can sometimes look like candy and when it’s bright, kids often see it that way. Be sure to keep all medications in childproof containers and out of access or put in a locked drawer with childproof locks to keep those little hands away.
Button Batteries
The mini flat batteries that go in remote controls, toys and other small devices can be deadly if swallowed. Like all small batteries, button batteries can get lodged in a child’s throat and cause severe internal burns within hours. Make sure that any device carrying these batteries has a secure compartment and spare batteries are stored out of sight and out of reach.
Cleaning Supplies
Bleach to glass cleaner, most cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that can prove harmful if ingested or touched. It’s natural for children to be curious, so they may want to spray bottles or try to open containers. Keep all cleaning supplies in a high cabinet or use childproof locks on cabinets which can be reached by children.
Small Magnets
Desk toys and other household items often contain small powerful magnets which are themselves dangerous when swallowed. If several magnets are swallowed, they can get together inside the intestine and cause grave internal injuries. Don’t leave small magnets out where a child can get them or with magnetic toys.
Alcohol
Alcohol are surprisingly easy for kids to creep into, even at parties or gatherings when drinks will sit unattended. Alcohol can poison a child even in small amounts and according to HealthyWA, it can affect your child’s performance at school. Don’t keep any alcoholic beverages or bottles of liquor around — or leave drinks unattended around little ones.
Coins and Loose Change
It might be easy to miss loose change on counters or tables, but according to What to Expect, coins are one of the most common choking hazard. Coins are small enough for a kid to swallow. It’s a good idea to keep change in a jar or a drawer so kids can’t get to it if you want to prevent choking incidents.
Plastic Bags
The danger of plastic bags is not really what they’re used for, it’s that many of them pose a major suffocation hazard for children. Bags tend to draw kids in because they’re a great thing to play with, but they can get stuck around your kid’s head, which can cut off the air supply. Where you can, use reusable cloth bags rather than store plastic bags out of reach.
Sharp Kitchen Utensils
In the kitchen, knives, scissors and even vegetable peelers are all common, but can be very dangerous when in the hands of a child. Obviously, little ones want to “help” in the kitchen, and sharp items can be quite dangerous. Think about storing those too in drawers with safety gates, or at least in a locked drawer when not in use.
Heavy Furniture
If a child tries to climb on dressers, book shelves or TVs, they can tip over. Furniture tipping has injured, and in many cases, killed many young children. Try to safe secure heavy furniture to the wall with safety straps or anchors to avoid tipping, to keep kids safe. This is a simple way that can make a big difference in helping prevent kids from getting hurt in the house.
Hot Appliances
Along with curling irons and toasters, hair straighteners can stay hot for a long time after they’re turned off and curious kids can get burned. After you use them, be sure to unplug them and make sure they are cool and out of reach. If you get burned by one of these items, it’s painful and needs medical help.
Houseplants
It’s not all the houseplants that are safe for kids, in fact many common varieties you’re surrounded with can be poisonous if they are ingested. Popular plants that cause stomach issues or worse if a child decides to take a bite includes philodendrons, pothos, and lilies. To be safe, check that your plants are suitable or place them in zones that kids can not reach them in case of nibbles.
Cords and Blind Strings
Even harmless looking dangling cords, from blinds or electronics, can pose strangulation hazard to young children. Cords can be pulled on, kids can get tangled in them, or they can pull them over their head. Hanging cord shortener or cordless window treatments will keep cords and blind strings out of reach.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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