As babies and toddlers grow, their curiosity grows with them. Crawling, climbing, grabbing, and exploring are all important parts of development, but they can also expose children to unexpected dangers around the home.
Most parents know to cover electrical outlets and install safety gates, but the following household hazards are often overlooked. Taking a few extra precautions now can help create a safer environment for your little one.
Check for Button Batteries
Button batteries are small, shiny, and easy for children to mistake for candy or a toy. These batteries are commonly found in:
- Remote controls
- Key fobs
- Musical greeting cards
- Watches
- Toys
- Thermometers
If swallowed, a button battery can cause serious internal injuries in a matter of hours.
Be sure to regularly inspect devices that contain button batteries and ensure battery compartments are securely closed. Store spare batteries in a locked cabinet and safely dispose of used batteries immediately.
Keep Medications and Cleaning Products Out of Reach
Many medications look like candy to a young child. Even vitamins and over-the-counter medications can be dangerous if taken in the wrong amount. Household cleaning products, including laundry detergent pods, dishwasher pods, and toilet bowl cleaners, can attract children with their colorful packaging and are harmful if swallowed.
Store medications and cleaning products:
- Up high and out of reach
- In their original containers
- In a locked cabinet whenever possible
It's also important to stay vigilant when visiting grandparents, relatives, or friends. Medications and cleaning products may be stored in purses, under sinks, nightstands, on countertops, or in other locations that are easily accessible to curious children.
Secure Large Furniture
As children become more mobile, climbing often becomes their favorite activity. Dressers, bookshelves, televisions, and other heavy furniture can tip over if a child attempts to climb on them.
To help prevent injuries:
- Anchor large furniture to the wall
- Secure televisions with appropriate mounting hardware
- Avoid placing toys or tempting objects on top of furniture
- Check furniture regularly to ensure anchors remain secure
A few minutes spent securing furniture can help prevent serious accidents.
Look Beyond Medicines and Cleaning Supplies
Medications and cleaning supplies aren't the only potentially harmful substances families should be mindful of. Products intended for adult use, including flavored vape liquids, THC products, and alcohol, can pose serious risks to children and should never be accessible to them. As healthcare providers, our goal is to promote healthy choices for families and children. These products should always be stored securely and completely out of reach and should not be used around children.
Because these products may come in colorful packaging or resemble candy, snacks, or beverages, children can be especially attracted to them.
Always:
- Store products in locked containers
- Keep them out of sight and out of reach
- Never leave them on counters, tables, or in bags that children can access
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Even with careful childproofing, accidents can happen. Keep important emergency contacts easily accessible, including your pediatrician, the nearest emergency room, and the Poison Control Center.
If you believe your child has swallowed a button battery, medication, nicotine product, THC product, alcohol, or another potentially harmful substance, seek help immediately. In an emergency, call 911. For poison-related questions or possible ingestions, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Expert help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Creating a Safer Home for Your Child
Childproofing is an ongoing process. As children grow and develop new skills, new safety risks can emerge. Taking time to identify and address safety hazards throughout your home can help protect your child while allowing them to safely explore the world around them.
If you have questions about child safety or other health concerns, your JCMG Pediatrics team is here to help. Established patients can call (573) 556-7704 to make an appointment and be seen the same day. Looking for a new provider? Learn more about our pediatricians at www.JCMG.org/pediatrics.