Keep Out Of Reach Of Children: 9 Dangerous Things In The Household
We’ve all seen the warning written on a product label: “Keep out of the reach of children.” And it is true.
There are things in the house that we should always keep away from children. A lack of attention to these common hazards in the household can lead to tragic consequences.
Read on to find out more.
9 household hazards to keep out of the reach of children
1. Medicines
When it comes to medication, mistakes can have fatal consequences for little ones.
While a well-stocked medicine cabinet is essential in a household, medication should always be kept out of the reach of children.
Even older children may decide to take a few pills or a spoonful of syrup because they hurt themselves while playing. Always pay attention to where you keep your medication.
2. Toxic Products
Toxic products are other common household hazards. If you have a yard and stock up on weed killers or fertilizers or even insecticides for bugs and spiders, keep them under lock and key.
Exposure to these types of products can be even worse than drugs. In many cases, there is no treatment for its effects.
Handle detergents and cleaning products with the same care. This includes cleaning sprays, polish and bleach.
It is best for your children to keep these types of products out of their reach and store them safely. Some parents choose to store dangerous chemicals upstairs in a closet.
However, the risk here is that children are curious and inventive and may start climbing to reach the prohibited items. This puts them at risk of falling even if they don’t find what they are looking for.
3. Knives and other sharp objects
Knives and other sharp objects should also be kept out of the reach of children. Having access to sharp objects can be very dangerous. Young children can try to cut something and seriously injure themselves.
Keep an eye on this even if you are at home or even in the same room. It is always best to keep knives and scissors out of their reach.
4. Choking Hazard
During certain stages of childhood, children want to put everything they find in their mouths. This is a way to discover new sensations.
If a small toy or other household item becomes detached, it can get stuck in a child’s airway. Caution with small parts is essential to avoid the unthinkable.
5. Sockets
Sockets and electricity are major household hazards. So keep sockets covered with a child-resistant cover and do not leave cables on the floor.
Children may try to insert small objects into an open outlet. This will give them an electric shock and a big fright – or much worse.
6. Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco is extremely toxic to children. Exposure to secondhand smoke directly affects their growth and can lead to serious illness. Eating cigarette butts from the ashtray can have very serious consequences.
Keep smokers and smoking materials away from children. If anyone in the family smokes, they should go outside to do so.
7. Glass
It’s no surprise that glass can break into sharp pieces. But kids probably don’t know to be careful with glass objects.
It’s very easy to break a glass and then end up with a nasty cut that requires multiple stitches.
8. Tools
Have you noticed that little ones like to hit and throw their toys? Imagine what would happen if they could grab heavy, sharp tools.
It’s not a fun topic to think about. Therefore, keep the toolbox out of the reach of children.
9. Phones
This last item should be kept out of the reach of children. That is in your interest as well as that of the little ones. Would you like it if your smartphone ended up in the toilet? If not, don’t leave it where your kids might get it.
As an extra measure against these kinds of nasty surprises, it’s also a good idea to close bathroom doors properly.
As parents, the safety and well-being of our children should always be our top priority. So follow the practical suggestions in this article to save yourself major stress or worse.
