Ordinary Things At Home That Can Harm Your Child
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A parent’s biggest fear is their child getting injured, especially in the comfort of their own home. Before your baby arrived, you probably took every measure to baby proof the nooks and corners of your house. But alas, everyday, many children still get injuries caused by falling, poisoning, or burning. It is inevitable. After all, you can’t be expected to take every possible item that might hurt your child into account. Besides, it is often hard to recognise a threat in an item that has been around you for years. But, there is no need to worry and wrack your brains trying to think about every object you own being a potential threat. We’ve come up with a list of things that could be harmful for your baby that you probably didn’t think about. But, you don’t need to get rid of them altogether. Simply be mindful of your children if they are next to or interact with these objects and they will be perfectly fine!
1. Potted Plants
Who can resist the allure of a touch of greenery in their home? Potted plants have gained immense popularity as decorative elements, known for their soothing and aesthetic qualities. However, this charming addition may pose risks when you have a child. Little ones often have easy access to these potted treasures, which could lead to unfortunate and potentially hazardous consequences.
For instance, certain plants like azaleas can induce toxic shock, and common household varieties like dieffenbachia may cause throat swelling if ingested (1).
To ensure your child’s safety, it’s wise to replace these risky plants with non-toxic or even medicinally beneficial ones. This way, even if your curious youngster samples a mint leaf, you can rest assured. Alternatively, consider elevating your plants, hanging them, or placing them on high, out-of-reach shelves to prevent any green encounters from turning into unforeseen dangers.
2. Socket Covers
Every parent is well acquainted with socket covers. They are not a new concept. But they also know that socket covers can be easily removed and attract a lot of attention from their baby. So, it’s best to opt for a more advanced cover or block all the reachable sockets in the house with furniture in order to keep your little one safe. There’s no way they are moving the couch out of the way!
3. A Slippery Bathtub Can Be Hazardous
Accidents in the bathtub can occur more frequently than one might anticipate, potentially leading to serious injuries for children. Furthermore, the risk of drowning becomes a significant concern when children are left unattended in the bathroom. To mitigate these dangers, there are several preventive measures you can take. Placing a rubber mat on the bathroom floor is an effective way to reduce the chances of slipping. Additionally, consider installing a tap cover to minimize the harm caused by accidental impacts, and affix a handrail on the wall, providing necessary support for your 4 or 5-year-old as they exit the water safely. These safety precautions collectively help safeguard your child in the bathroom environment.
4. Trash Cans
Out of all the beautiful toys you can surround your child with, sometimes the only thing they find fascinating is trash. Children are attracted to bright colors and that sometimes means that an old candy bar or a deodorant bottle in the trash can be their latest target. So, how do you stop them from getting their hands on the goods? Cover your trash can with a lid and hide it, even if it is under the kitchen sink. Out of sight, out of mind!
5. Pets
No matter how amiable your household pet may be, it’s essential to instill in your children a deep respect for their space. Ensure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and well-trained in good behavior. Regular vet checkups are crucial to verify that they do not pose any threats to your kids.
Likewise, it’s essential that your child refrains from handling the animal’s food or intruding upon their living area. These boundaries not only ensure the safety of your children but also foster respect between them and your pets, minimizing the likelihood of any aggressive interactions.
Keeping your kids safe might as well be a fulltime sport. Sometimes it can feel like you’ll never cover every base to ensure that they don’t fall in harm’s way and that’s okay. Your child is stronger than you give them credit for. As long as you keep an eye out for these potential threats at home, you are good to go. Have we missed out on anything on our list? Let us know in the comments section! Happy parenting.
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