Have I thought of everything?
When we become parents or have babies and toddlers visiting, the question of whether everything is childproof quickly arises. The list of potential hazards is long. Today, we'd like to present what we consider to be the 10 biggest dangers in a household with a baby or toddler:
1) Heat sources
Depending on their severity, burns and scalds can be not only painful but can also have long-lasting consequences or even be life-threatening. A well-known source of danger is the kitchen, including the stovetop (with pots and pans on it), the oven, the waffle iron, the toaster, or even the kettle if the cord is accessible and can be pulled. In summer, the barbecue grill poses a risk, and in winter, the wood-burning stove. Open flames, including lighters, should be kept out of reach of children.
2) Unsecured heights
Falls from heights can be prevented with simple aids, such as window locks or stair railings. Balcony doors and balconies should also be secured. Steps in front of stairs and balcony railings pose a significant risk. Ideally, climbing on furniture, such as shelves, should be impossible. At the very least, shelves and other furniture that are not tip-proof should be fixed to the walls.
3) Small parts
Small parts, or even detachable small parts, pose a choking hazard. Especially during the oral stage, toys should not contain such small parts or detachable small parts, nor should babies and toddlers have access to small objects smaller than approximately 32 mm. The danger is often overlooked with foods like nuts, grapes, or berries. These should also be cut into smaller pieces. Dry pet food, for example, should also be stored out of the reach of babies and toddlers.
4) Pointed and sharp objects
It's only logical that children can easily injure themselves on sharp or pointed objects while learning to stand, walk, and exploring. Therefore, all areas of the home should be checked, and such items should be stored safely and out of reach, or corners and edges should be protected. Pointed and sharp objects can include kitchen utensils like knives or other cutting tools/machines or scissors, but also razors, tools, or pencil sharpeners. Are you surprised by the pencil sharpener because it doesn't look dangerous? Have you ever seen how perfectly a child's little fingers fit in one? I witnessed firsthand how badly a child can injure their finger on one when we were visiting friends.
5) Chemicals and medicines
It's not without reason that chemicals and medications carry warning labels stating that they must be kept out of the reach of children. Ideally, they should not be stored in cupboards near the floor or should be properly secured, for example, with cupboard locks. Cosmetics, cigarettes, ashtrays, and alcohol should also be kept safely out of children's reach. It's also worth noting that you should check your indoor and outdoor plants accordingly (for example, yew berries are tempting for children but are definitely poisonous). And here's a very important point: If your child has swallowed something you believe to be dangerous, or even if you only suspect it has, call the Poison Control Center. It's best to write down the number somewhere clearly visible or save it in your phone. There are cases where parents try to induce vomiting in their children with salt water, for example, and cause more harm than the swallowed substance would have. So please NEVER initiate such actions without instructions from emergency personnel or the Poison Control Center staff unless you have received appropriate training.
6) Water
Children drown silently, without screams or frantic thrashing. It only takes a moment of inattention, and even a puddle can be enough. For infants and toddlers aged 1 to 3, drowning is the most common cause of accidental death. And most often, it happens in the bathtub at home. Bodies of water like ponds must be secured, but even birdbaths can be dangerous. And above all, children should ALWAYS be supervised when they are near or in water.
7) Bags and foil
Children often playfully pull all sorts of things over their heads. Therefore, they should never be given airtight bags or plastic wrap to play with – especially if they fit over their heads – because this poses a suffocation risk! Keep such items out of children's reach.
8) Heavy objects at height
Who wants heavy objects falling on their head, feet, or anywhere else? Children can't see what's up high. Anything hanging down and that can be pulled on is much more interesting. So, for example, avoid placing heavy vases on a tablecloth that children can reach. Make sure that nothing heavy can fall due to bumping into furniture or simply being within reach. This also includes the issue of securing unstable furniture to the walls.
9) Entrapment and strangulation
Whether it's doors, cupboards, or flaps – children are curious and explore the world by opening and closing everything. And before you know it, a finger or hand is caught. While this is harmless with a light drawer, it's more critical with a heavy door. Cupboard and door locks help prevent this and allow children to restrict access to certain contents. Little explorers also find it fascinating to put ropes or similar items around their necks. Extreme caution is advised here regarding the risk of strangulation – cords, ropes, cables, and even blind cords can pose a danger to children.
10) Electricity
Although listed last here, the invisible danger of electricity is anything but harmless. Electrical outlets, including power strips, should be secured in every household with children. Check if there is a residual current device (RCD). Loose or dangling cables should never be found in homes with children. Exposed electrical cables should never be near children anyway. However, intact charging cables should also be kept away. In our digital world, smartphones, for example, are such ubiquitous companions that daily charging is always within reach. It's easy for a child to get their hands on a smartphone charging cable, and during the oral stage, often put it in their mouth. What many don't realize is that the seemingly safe cable can quickly become damaged by saliva, making it a serious hazard that can, for example, cause severe burns.
Most parents are often unaware of this danger , AND there are many reasons why babies and toddlers might get hold of charging cables! This is where our child safety device comes in: The charging cable safety device from GADGETTO Products, adapted to the needs of modern families, ensures that babies, toddlers, or even small pets cannot come into direct contact with the electrical components, and that saliva or similar liquids cannot easily enter the electronic system.