Is Your Home Child-Proof?
As your child starts to crawl and eventually walk, run and climb, it’s important to introduce safety measures at home so your child can explore in a safe environment. What are some pointers parents should be mindful of and what measures can they implement at home to make it safe?
9 – 12 months
At this age, your baby is crawling and may start to walk, climb, and pick up food and small objects with his fingers. His legs are wobbly and he may stumble, resulting in potential injuries. Be sure to make your home safe as your baby becomes increasingly active:- Never leave your baby alone during bath time, even for a short moment. Keep your baby supported at all times in the water.
- Choose furniture with rounded corners or use edge protectors to cushion sharp edges.
- Stay within an arm’s length of your baby. If necessary, place your infant in a safe enclosed area such as a playpen.
- Keep small objects such as coins, buttons or toy parts out of your baby’s reach as these are choking hazards. Do not leave items such as plastic bags lying around as your baby can suffocate by putting his head in it.
- Install safety gates in areas you want to keep out of bounds to your baby (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, staircases)
- Keep electrical sockets covered. Do not leave your baby unattended in areas where electrical appliances are in use.
1-2 years
Your toddler will now begin to explore previously out of reach places, climb on steps, open doors and drawers. He is very curious and may still hurt himself. Ensure your home is safe- Install window grilles in rooms and ensure they are locked at all times. Put in place window guards and stops to prevent your child from opening the windows. Avoid placing furniture such as chairs, tables and shelves near windows so your child cannot easily climb up.
- Choose furniture with rounded corners or use edge protectors to cushion sharp edges.
- Install safety gates in areas you want to keep out of bounds to your child (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, staircases)
- Lock cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen to prevent your child from coming into contact with dangerous items such as cleaning liquids, knives, or shaving blades.
- Use a stove guard while cooking and place pots and pans with their handles facing the side or back
- Use specially-designed latches or locks on appliances such as washing machines, microwaves, ovens as well as toilet bowls
- Keep the bathroom floor dry and place anti-slip mats in bathrooms to prevent your child from slipping.
Outdoor Safety
Observe these safety rules when spending time outdoors with your child in the playground or water:- Supervise your child closely at the playground or when in the water at all times.
- Keep your child out of the water and away from the playground during thunder, lightning or rain
- When at the playground or other outdoor areas, look out for hazards such as broken equipment. Ensure there are handrails and barriers present to prevent falls.
- Take note that swimming aids such as water wings and floats are not life-saving devices. If possible, it is helpful to learn basic CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) in case of an emergency.
