September is Baby Safety Month so it’s a good time to talk about some hidden hazards to look out for. Babies and toddlers are eager to explore the world, so it’s important to make sure that they can do so as safely as possible.
After all, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 9.2 million children have an emergency department visit for an unintentional injury. For children under one year of age, suffocation is the cause of two-thirds of injury death, and the top cause of nonfatal injuries is falls, which account for more than 50% of these injuries.
Here are some things to look out for around small children:
- Unstable furniture: make sure all furniture and televisions are installed securely. Furniture tipover is a leading cause of injury for young children.
- Magnets: children may swallow small magnets, which can present a choking hazard and could also cause internal damage.
- Kitchen equipment: always turn pot handles inward; if they are sticking out from the stovetop, a curious child may try to grab the hot handle or accidentally knock over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the microwave, toaster, and other kitchen appliances are out of reach.
- Detergent pods: these can be mistaken for candy by small children, so be sure to keep them stored out of sight and out of reach.
- Loose rugs and cords: these items can be a tripping hazard. Unsecured cords can also be a strangulation hazard for small children.
Being aware of these types of hazards is the best way to help prevent child injuries. When you know what to look out for, you can help keep small children safe – it really does take a village!
If your child has been injured due to a defective product, 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.
