Home Front
SAFE House
PROVIDING A SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR FAMILY
By Roberta Bavin, DNP, CPNP H
ome is where families spend time together and create memories. Your
family home should be safe and secure to ensure these memories are positive and happy. As parents, we need to prioritize safety and security for our loved ones. Safety revolves around ages and de-
velopmental levels of children within your household. Each child could be at risk for accidents if basic safety precautions aren’t taken. You should have a good under- standing of age-related risks and inspect your home for potential dangers. For example, infants who have just
started to crawl are at risk for putting small items they find on the carpet/floor into their mouths, as well as inserting things into electrical outlets. If you have a crawling baby, get down and “crawl” from room to room to look for potential dangers at your child’s eye level.
Baby and Toddler Safety Make sure nothing is in the crib — pil- lows, fluffy blankets, etc. — besides your infant. Place infants on their backs to sleep to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To prevent falls,
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never leave infants on changing tables, couches or beds. Once babies can roll/ crawl, make sure there are no small parts from older siblings’ toys on the floor that can cause choking. Cut foods into age- appropriate sizes as older infants learn to chew; avoid hot dogs and popcorn. When children start walking, more dan-
gers exist. Consider eliminating access to bathrooms and laundry rooms with door handle protectors. Walking toddlers have no concept of safety and are at highest risk of accidental ingestion and injuries.
Bathroom Safety Once toilet training begins, teach your children bathroom safety. They should understand not to touch things that are potentially hazardous. Bathroom cleaning products are poi- sonous if swallowed and should be placed high out of reach or in locked cabinets. Toilets are very dangerous for top-heavy toddlers. Toilet lids should be kept closed and locked. Hot water heaters should be turned below 120 degrees so young chil- dren turning on faucets don’t get burned. Additionally, hair care and other personal
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