Parents worry endlessly about how to protect their children from harm, but many manage to overlook one of the biggest threats to their children's safety - their own home.
Three children die every week in the UK as a result of a home accident. The most vulnerable and at risk are children under the age of four. Falls account for the vast majority of non-fatal accidents, while most deaths are the direct result of fire.
Accidents do happen, but that doesn't mean you have to wait until disaster strikes before you think about safety around your home.
Protecting young children around the home is fundamental for any responsible parent. And in this day and age, there are a number of products available that can help you achieve that goal.
Safety gadgets
Before you buy any safety product, make sure you do your research beforehand. Anything you do buy should carry the relevant safety certification, and be sure to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. Never use second-hand childproofing equipment either - unless you can be certain of its history.
Childproofing and implementing adequate safety measures can seem overwhelming. With this in mind, we've created a checklist of relatively easy approaches you can take:
- Place safety covers on all unused electrical outlets. Also keep any switched plugs in the off position when not in use
- Cushion sharp corners of coffee tables and low-level desks with edge protectors
- Be mindful of what you place in your rubbish bin. If you regularly dispose of plastic bags, batteries and other potentially dangerous items, make sure the bin is out of reach
- Pens, letter openers, staplers, paper clips and other sharp instruments should ideally be kept in a locked drawer
- Don't leave matches or lighters lying around. If you have a fireplace, keep a fireguard placed in front of it - it's a legal requirement that you do this if you have children in the house
- Avoid having curtains and blinds with long, dangling cords - they could result in strangulation. If you do have them, tie them up and keep them out of your child's reach
- Place colourful stickers on any large areas of glass, such as sliding patio doors - this will prevent them from appearing to be "invisible"
- Fit non-slip pads under rugs and mats that aren't fitted down
- Anchor and conceal electrical cords for appliances such as lamps and televisions
- Be aware of things that pinch fingers, like hinges, ironing boards and deck chairs. You might consider buying hinge protectors.
- Make sure handles of cooking pots are not edging over the stove. This prevents curious hands reaching up and pulling down boiling pots.
- Technology aside, the most important and effective safety device is always going to be your supervision. No matter how well equipped you think you may be, you will still need to keep a constant lookout for potential hazards around the home.
