Common Household Hazards for Homes With New Babies
Babies are so curious; they touch, grab, smell, and put things they’re not supposed to into their mouths. Yes, they’re exploring their surroundings, but little ones don’t understand when something is inherently dangerous.
If you’re about to welcome a child into the world, check out these common household hazards for homes with new babies to know what to look for and remove them safely.
Toxic Chemicals
When you bring the baby home for the first time, it’s essential not to have furniture made from toxic materials since many of them contain VOCs that can alter your child’s development—both physically and mentally.
A crib is one of the most common nursery items that typically holds dangerous compounds. These compounds are hazardous, so when shopping for baby furniture, ensure you look over the company’s product descriptions to see what the manufacturers use during production.
By knowing the materials the crib’s made from, you’ll become more aware of the potential dangers the materials can have on your child’s health.
Choking Hazards
From a bird’s-eye view, you can’t tell what harmful things your child is putting into their mouths. From icky germs to stale foods they find underneath the carpet, placing these things in their mouths can create a choking hazard.
When your child’s about to play in an area, ensure the room is swept up to avoid choking hazards. Additionally, create a tiny playroom for your tot to play in while you work.
Stairs & Windows
Even as your baby learns to walk and crawl, they’re going to want to climb rather than being picked up. In a kid’s mind, the stairs are a lot like a tall mountain, and the windows are the top. However, if not blocked off correctly, both of these things can result in horrible accidents.
To keep your child safe, put up a child-proof fence that fits tightly against the archway of the stairs. Then, ensure it’s locked tightly by testing the lock. This helps prevent your children from climbing up and down the stairs.
For the window, even if it’s only open a few inches and low to the ground, your child can potentially lift themselves up and fall out. Place a screen on the window to prevent your child from trying to open it, and always monitor your child around the window. You should also always ensure that the window is locked.
Pets
Pets are family, but they’re not toys. They might look cute and cuddly when they lay next to the baby during nap time, but one wrong move can result in the pet biting them.
Don’t ever yell at the pet; teach your child not to touch the pet’s tail, ears, or mouth. Additionally, never leave your child in the same room as your pets.
As you learn about the common household hazards to children, you now have a fair idea of what to look out for and remove for your child’s safety. Keep these items in mind when child-proofing your home.
