Guest Author - Susan Thompson
In the past few weeks there have been several recalls on children’s toys due to tiny magnets and lead paint. At the end of this article you will find links to info on the recent recalls. If you think your child has one of the recalled toys, follow the link and you will find out exactly what to do. Also, if you believe your child has ingested a magnet or lead from one of these toys, call your pediatrician.
In this article I thought I would go over ways to keep your little one safe around your home. This may sound silly, but one of the best ways to childproof your home is to get on your hands and knees and crawl around. You will be amazed to see the world as your crawling child does.
Be sure to install cabinet locks on all cabinets containing hazardous cleaning items and medications. If a child does accidentally get into something hazardous, read the back of the container immediately. There will usually be suggestions on what to do. If no information is on the container, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If it is an emergency, call 911.
While you are buying cabinet locks, don’t forget outlet covers. There are many different types of safety devices out there including refrigerator locks, buy the ones you are most comfortable with and that will suit your needs.
In a home where there are school age children and babies, there will be toys which are fine for the older child, but not for the baby. This will be the one time you will want to teach your older child not to share his/her toys. Explain to the older child that these toys are dangerous to babies and never to share them. Keep toys with small or sharp parts in storage containers that snap shut and are difficult to open. Also put those toys on a high shelf out of reach of the baby. When the older child does play with these toys, have them sit at the kitchen table and be sure to teach them to put their toys away when they are done.
Many people don’t realize that dog and cat food can be a choking hazard to babies. Always keep babies away from the animal dishes especially when the animal is eating. Some animals get temperamental over their food and if baby tries to take their food, baby may get scratched or bitten.
No one can watch a child 24/7 and accidents will happen, but prevention is always the best medicine.
Recall Websites:
http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp - Mattel recall website
http://www.cpsc.gov/ - The Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm - Consumer Reports lists all kinds of recalls. This is a good site to keep in your favorites and check every so often.
