Keeping Your Children Safe In & Around The Home

Parenting is not an easy task and there is never a day that you stop worrying about your children, regardless of their age. As a parent, it’s an intuition to always ensure that your children are safe and well while out and about, but have you thought about the risks that are present within and around your home? The typical home and garden can pose several risks that you may never have thought about, but which could have serious consequences.

This article will highlight some of the key ways to keep your children safe in and around the home.

Use Stairgates

Stairgates are a useful way of keeping your child away from certain areas of the home which may pose a threat, including the stairs, the kitchen, or the garage, where risks are likely. It’s not unusual for small children to wish to explore; however, gaining access to the stairs could result in trips and falls, while kitchens and garages are home to several hazards such as tools, harmful toxins, and electrical items.

Keep Chemicals & Cleaning Products Out Of Reach

If your child does happen to wander into the kitchen, ensure that all hazardous cleaning products and chemicals are both out of sight and out of reach. Little ones can be inquisitive and fussy fingers poses the risk of handling (and potentially consuming) them. As the majority of kitchen and cleaning products are poisonous, it can result in severe consequences if they are ingested. To be on the safe side, keep such products stored on high shelves or locked away in cabinets.

Clear Pathways Immediately After Snowfall

It’s well known that kids love playing in the snow—whether it be building snowmen, sledging, or making snowballs. However, exiting the home safely during snowy spells should be high on the priority list during winter. Paths can become slippery when the snow and ice start to melt, which could result in serious accidents if the relevant precautions aren’t taken. As soon as the snow has covered the ground, it would be advisable to use Cub Cadet snowblowers to clear snow from the pathways before then gritting them thoroughly.

Keep Small Items Out Of Sight

Young children are constantly putting items in their mouths, and it can be difficult to keep your eye on them at every given moment. Small items, in particular, are a major cause of choking. Therefore, refrain from offering them tiny toys and foods which could become lodged in their throat if consumed. Some of the most common choking hazards include:

• Buttons
• Earrings
• Stones
• Plastic eyes from soft toys
• Marbles
• Grapes
• Nuts

Keep Sleeping Areas Exposed

If you have a small toddler, ensure that their bed is free of pillows, soft toys, and blankets, as these items could cause suffocation by trapping the respiratory airways. During the cold winter months, wrap your little one in enough layers to keep them warm (without the risk of them becoming overheated) and steer clear of coverings.