Our homes are our havens, the place where we want our young families to be at their safest and most secure. It’s a place where our children are growing and learning all the time, and they see it as a source of comfort and a playground. This means that as parents, the safety of our homes should be of paramount concern. Supporting our children’s development by ensuring that our home environments are free from hazards can give us peace of mind. As much as we don’t like to think of them, accidents do happen, so we need to take steps to make sure we minimise the chances of them occurring at home.
Lock Up Your Chemicals
Homes and gardens can be full of hazardous chemicals – from cleaning products to pesticides – and often in brightly coloured packaging that will catch a child’s eye. If children ingest any of these items the contents are highly toxic. Make sure that you never store chemical agents near to food products so as to avoid any possible confusion. Choose a cupboard that is high up and away from little hands or fit a lock to ensure kids and animals are kept well away. It may be an idea to investigate switching to non-toxic cleaning solutions. Most household needs can be taken care of with white vinegar and plain old bicarbonate of soda, mixed with a few drops of aromatherapy oils if you want a clean scent left behind. Making this move can not only save your purse but also the environment and the health of your children. Order a couple of empty spray bottles and mix your own cleaning solution that isn’t harmful
Secure Your House And Garden
Transitional spaces and outdoor spaces in and around your home can often be where accidents happen. Secure the entrance and exits by making sure doors and gates are well fitted and in good order, to stop small children getting out without your knowledge. The Gate Company Online has a big selection to browse without leaving home. If you have a pond or water feature in your home, get a protective pond screen to stop any accidents where your kids may fall in. Fit stair gates to keep kids safely contained and stop tumbles as well.
Teach Pet Safety
Children love to play with pets, and indeed growing up with a dog or cat can provide many happy childhood memories. Animals can be unpredictable though, even much loved family pets, so be sure to teach your children responsible pet behaviour from the start. Make sure they approach or handle pets carefully and leave them when they’re having their food to avoid any possible problems.
Prep Your Smoke Alarm
Make sure that you have smoke alarms installed at home which are regularly tested to ensure that they are in good working order. Teach kids what the sound of the alarm is and how to respond to it. It would also be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide – as this is odourless and colourless it can easily be lethal.
Avoid Choking Hazards
Babies and small children are prone to exploring the world through their mouths, so be alert for choking hazards. With small food items such as nuts and grapes, make sure you cut them in half before letting them eat so they won’t block airways if swallowed before chewed. And keep small items like buttons, coins or marbles well out of reach.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaborative post
