This Baby Safety Month, learn how to use child safety devices to help reduce and prevent child injuries in and around the home.
We’re sharing tips from the Baby Safety Foundation to help you make your home safer for little ones.
Using Child Safety Devices Effectively
Most child safety products are easy to find at home improvement stores, baby equipment stores, drug stores, online, and beyond. These devices must be installed properly to be effective. Follow manufacturer installation instructions carefully.
Remember, no safety device is completely childproof. Sturdy devices like baby gates and safety latches can help reduce the risk of injuries or slow children down enough for you to catch up!
Safety Locks, Latches, and Gates
Install safety locks and latches on cabinets and drawers to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Medication, household cleaners, matches, lighters, and sharp objects should be stored out of reach of children. This includes items with child-resistant packaging.
Look for safety locks and latches that are easy enough for adults to install and use, but sturdy enough to stay in place when children pull and tug at them.
Safety gates help prevent falls down the stairs (or unsupervised crawls upstairs!). They also keep children from entering areas with possible dangers. Make sure your safety gates meet current safety standards – for example, older gates with “V” shapes can entrap a child’s head and neck. Only use gates that screw to the wall for the top of stairs.
Door knob covers and locks can also help prevent kids from going into rooms or areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers should be sturdy and allow a door to quickly be opened by an adult in case of an emergency.
Other Home Safety Devices for Children
Anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads can help prevent burns from hot water. Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of hot water burns.
Corner and edge bumpers can be installed on sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces to help prevent bumps and falls. Outlet covers and plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution. Make sure the outlet protectors are large enough so children cannot choke on them. They should not be easy for children to remove from the outlet.
Anchor furniture, televisions, and ranges to prevent tip-overs. Injuries and death occur when children climb on, fall against, or pull themselves up with furniture such as shelves, dressers, desks, and entertainment centers. Anchor these products to the floor or attach them to the wall for added security.
Window Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends using cordless window coverings if you have young children at home. Cordless window coverings can help prevent strangulation.
Window guards and safety netting can help prevent falls from windows, balconies, and decks. If you install these safety devices, check them often to ensure they are secure and well maintained. Limit window openings to four inches or less, including the space between window guard bars. If you use window guards, ensure that at least one window in each room can be used easily to escape in a fire. Window screens do not prevent children from falling out of windows.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
