Safety hazards you didn’t think about

As parents, we know to keep cords out of a toddler’s reach, secure the outlets with covers, cleaning solutions out of reach and to not leave things like matches and knives lying around. But what about those not-so-obvious hazards? You know, the ones that no one sees as a hazard…until it is.

Rugs

Rugs that are not laying flat (upturned corners or waffled) or those that don’t have non-skid backings can cause serious falls resulting in broken bones.

Fabric items

Fabric items such as dish towels, curtains and bath towels can cause fires and burns if placed too close to stove burners or portable heating units.

Tables with glass insets

Tables with glass insets have resulted in numerous trips to the ER for children needing stitched up after falling onto the glass causing breakage. Remove the glass or replace the table to solve this problem.

Furniture with sharp edges

Furniture with sharp edges has also been the cause of deep cuts and head injuries. Opt for tables and other pieces with rounded edges.

Chest of drawers

Chest of drawers that are not anchored to the wall should be if in your toddler or young child’s bedroom. Curious and energetic bodies climb the drawers to reach what’s on top and end up crushed underneath the chest when it topples over. Instead, opt for a dresser that is much shorter.

Doors

Doors that aren’t latched securely. A toddler loves to look at the great big world outside. But if they press up against a screen door that isn’t securely latched, they can topple out onto their heads causing injury.

The bathtub and shower

Make sure you have regulators on the hot water heater to avoid burning your child with water that is too hot.

House plants

Make sure the house plants you have in your home are non-toxic.

Garage doors

Several thousand people are treated in the ER each year for injuries caused by electronic garage doors (being trapped under them).

Toys

The very things you buy your child can harm them if they break. Either repair or get rid of toys with broken parts.

Written by

Darla Noble

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