The safety of your kids is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a parent. Your kids face many dangers at home as well as when they are away from home. Knowing what the dangers are in different situations will help you keep your kids safe. Healthy Children reminds you to keep your kids' ages in mind when safeguarding their environments, so your precautions are age appropriate.
At Home
You may consider your home a safe haven, but there are many hidden dangers that could pose a risk to your kids. One danger is the potential for fire or burns. Larry Stone, Leslie Stone and Laurie Levy, authors of "The Safe and Sound Child," recommend keeping matches out of the reach of your kids and to prevent burns by keeping hot liquids away from your kids. You are also encouraged to keep your hot water heater set below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. Stone, Stone and Levy recommend preventing falls by placing baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. You should also keep all choking hazards, chemicals and medications on top shelves in child proof closets or cabinets so your kids cannot get to them. Other tips from the authors include covering all electrical outlets, installing safety latches on cabinets and toilets, keeping electrical cords wrapped and out of sight and using anti-slip bath mats in your bathtubs.
Away From Home
Getting out and doing things with your kids is a good way to have fun as a family as long as you know and understand the risks your kids face when away from home. A common fear among many parents is child abduction, and Kids Health recommends constant parental supervision as the most important way to keep your kids safe. You are also encouraged to teach your children about strangers and what to do if they are approached by someone they do not know. Stone, Stone and Levy add car safety as one of the most important safety issues away from home. Always make sure your kids are riding in a car seat appropriate for their age and weight and never leave them in the car alone for any length of time.
While Playing
Your kids will spend a great deal of their time at play, and it is important to ensure their safety while they are playing. Toys are one of the most common ways to play, and Healthy Children recommends that you check the labels on your kids' toys to make sure they are age appropriate. Avoid toys that have small parts because they are a choking hazard. It is also important to make sure your kids know how to use their toys to prevent injury. Stone, Stone and Levy recommend several additional tips to keep your kids safe at play. Require your kids to wear a helmet anytime they are riding their bikes, scooters, rollerblades or any other wheeled toy. Inspect any playground equipment to make sure it is sturdy and free of damage. Never leave your children alone in the pool or any other water because kids can drown in just a few inches of water. The last tip from Stone, Stone and Levy is to always apply plenty of sunscreen when your kids are playing outside.
References
- Healthy Children: Safety and Prevention: At Home
- "The Safe and Sound Child"; Larry Stone, Leslie Stone and Laurie Levy; 1996
- Kids Health: Preventing Abductions
- Healthy Children: How to Buy Safe Toys
