Keeping Little Ones Safe In Your Home

Summer—the season of pool parties, picnics, barbecues, graduation parties, weddings, and any other excuse for a get-together you can think of.  If you plan to host some of these events in your home, make sure you’re prepared for any small children on the premises. If your kids are older, chances are you don’t give a second thought to household dangers, but if you look closely, you’d probably find dozens. (Of course, if you have small children, every square inch of your home is already baby-proofed.)  But if it’s not, below are just a short list of chemical and safety hazards that could be lurking in or around your home:

Cleaning Supplies

Laundry detergent packets, dishwashing liquid, bottles of bleach and other cleaners…you probably use these products regularly, and their bright colors, interesting scents, and attractive packaging are all lures for young children.  These items should be kept out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet or other storage area.

Medications

The bright colors of liquids and tablets can be irresistible to little ones, who often mistake them for candy. Unfortunately, this is one mistake that can have devastating consequences. Just like cleaning supplies, all medications should be tightly sealed and stored well out of reach of curious little hands.

Cords and Electrical Outlets

It’s easy to forget about the numerous cords that we try to conceal under tables and in corners, but crawling babies can easily find them and think they’re fun to play with. The same goes for electrical outlets—sticking tiny objects into these units is just too tempting for little ones to resist. Make sure to invest in plastic outlet covers to protect small fingers and keep items besides plugs away from the outlet.

Choking Hazards (small toys, etc.)  

You probably don’t realize how many small objects are strewn around your home. For instance, kids’ toys can be a goldmine of choking hazards. Think Legos, action figure and doll accessories, or any other toys that come with little pieces. Babies and toddlers are especially prone to sticking everything in their mouths and they are surprisingly clever at finding the most unlikely things, so be extra diligent about checking for small items on your floors and around your furniture.

Pools

Pools are great for relaxing and cooling off on a hot summer day, but they can also be very dangerous. The pool area of your backyard should be fenced in; the only entrance should be a gate that locks, and it should be locked anytime a responsible adult is not supervising all swimmers.
This post offers more suggestions for keeping your backyard pool area secure. 

Entertaining should be fun and relaxing for you as well as your guests, no matter their age. How do you keep the little ones in your life safe when they visit you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!