Childproofing

A lot of Moms including me, protect our kids from harmful things around them. We protect them from stranger abduction, germs, dirt, and accidents outside our home. But we sometimes overlook one of the important places that should be safe for our children - our home. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About 2.3 million children are accidentally injured every year and more than 2,500 are killed, and children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by fire, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning, or falls than by a stranger's violence. The best way to prevent accidents and injuries is supervision inside and outside of our home, but even the most watchful parent can't keep the kids out of harm every second. Here are the tips to childproof our home.

Prevent Falls. Falls can happen in the stairs, open windows, or if the child climbs up in the table or chair. The best way to prevent falls in the stairs is to install safety gates in the child's room so the child wont be able to access the kitchen, bathroom, and stairs.. The gate shouldn't be easily dislodged by the child but easy for the parent or guardian to open. Keep furniture away from the window to prevent the child from climbing the window sill. The window should be installed with window guards which fits snugly but not too tight so that in case of emergency, it will be easy to remove the guard from the window.

Prevent Fires. In case of a brownout (which normally happens here in the Philippines), lighted candles and lamps should be placed where the child can't reach them, and away from flammable things like pile of papers, near the curtain, and things made of rubber and paper. The electrical wiring should be checked to prevent short circuits. Low quality Christmas lights can cause fire so be sure to check the ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) mark to ensure that it is tested first for quality before purchasing. Keep away flammable materials such as gas, matches, and lighters from the reach of children.

Prevent Poisoning. Lock all cabinets and drawers that holds poisonous materials like insect sprays, detergent, bleach, cleaning products, medications, and other potential poisonous substances. There are also hidden poisons which have direct contact with our children. The toys which our kids play may contain lead which is enough to poison our kids. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, kidney disease, brain damage, delayed growth, and other problems.

Prevent Drowning. Infants and toddles can drown in a few inches of water. Never leave a bucket of water unattended or put a lock in the door of the comfort room to prevent the child from entering and peering into the toilet or bucket of water because if they do and lose their balance, they may fall head first which may result to drowning. Never leave the child unattended in the bath tub and supervise the child while inside the bathroom. ALWAYS keep an eye to the child while in the swimming pool.

Prepare for Emergency. It is important that we have a knowledge of first aid procedures if emergency arises so we can save the child from impending death. First aid supplies must also be available at our homes.

CREDITS: Babycenter, Kidshealth