Doors
Hazards: Doors pose several hazards. Doors can lead to areas of the home (or outdoors) that aren’t safe for your child. They can also pose a finger-pinch hazard. Additionally, an often overlooked problem exists in the doorstop. If you have the metal coil doorstop, the end cap can pose a choking hazard. You might be tempted to just remove the cap, but the metal coil can be sharp.Remedy: Cover doorknobs with safety covers – one for each door you don’t want your child to be able to open. Purchase finger protectors to prevent pinching, and install one-piece plastic doorstops.
Suggested Products:
- Clear Grip Door Knob Covers (Compare Prices)
- KidCo Sliding Door Locks (Compare Prices)
- Safety 1st Lever Handle Lock (Compare Prices)
Windows
Hazards: Each year in the United States, nearly 4,700 children receive injuries caused by falls from windows. At least half of these occur when children climb on furniture to look out a window. Another hazard comes not from windows, but from cords used on drapes and blinds. These pose a serious strangulation hazard.Remedy: Install window guards that only allow the window to open a few inches. Move all furniture that children can climb on away from windows. Keep windows locked, and never allow children to sit on window sills. Purchase cord winders for window blinds and make sure the cords are always out of reach of children.
Suggested Products:
- Kidco Window Wedge
- Window Blinds Cord Wind-Ups (Compare Prices)
Bookcases and TV Carts
Hazards: Bookcases, TV carts, microwave carts and other top-heavy furniture pose a risk because they can tip over if a child hangs or climbs on them. Your child could become entrapped or crushed underneath the weight of such furniture.Remedy: Use straps or anchors to secure furniture to a wall or floor. Several TV carts have been recalled recently, and companies are offering repair kits to make the pieces safe. Check to see if a brand you are using has been involved in a product recall.
Toilets
Hazards: Toilets cause a hazard to young children because a child can drown if they fall in. It only takes a small amount of water to cover a baby’s mouth and nose. Children cause a hazard to toilets, as well, when they throw small objects and toys inside.Remedy: Use toilet lid locks on all toilets or keep the bathroom door securely shut at all times. Supervise children at all times in the bathroom and take a baby out of the bathroom if you have to run to answer the phone or door.
Suggested Products:
- Toilet Locks (Compare Prices)
