With little ones running around, most parents make sure to do everything possible to keep them safe…we cover up outlets, make sure they don’t have access to cleaning products, and keep things out of reach that they could break and hurt themselves with.
But what about the day-to-day things that we use that we might not ever consider as dangerous? The dishwasher for instance?
Here are 5 hazards that you might never have considered as dangerous.
Dishwasher
My kids use the dishwasher door as a way to climb up the counters. Not safe at all! But I never considered how dangerous it is to have the dishwasher open with them around while I’m loading and unloading it. For instance, sharp knives, forks and other utensils are normally loaded on the bottom, within perfect grabbing distance for a toddler. Dish washing detergent can irritate your child’s skin and eyes and can burn the lining of her mouth and esophagus if swallowed.
What to Do? Make sure to point any sharp utensils downward in the utensil basket. If you’re utensil basket can be moved, put it towards the back of the washer making it more difficult for little hands to grab. Don’t fill the detergent dispenser until you’re ready to run the load, and wipe out any that’s left over after each cycle.
Baby Oil and Powder
Some baby oils and bath products contain liquid hydrocarbons, which can cause a serious pneumonia-like condition, irreversible lung damage, and even death if a child aspirates the substance into their lungs. Baby powder contains talc which is also dangerous to the respiratory system when inhaled.
What to Do? Read labels and store all baby oils and powders out of your child’s reach. Remember that child-proof caps can be opened by savvy (or determined) toddlers. Baby Magic has a new talc-free, dustless baby powder called Patty Cake that works just as well as the regular baby powder.
The Dog
“Our dog has never bitten anybody!” How many times have you heard that? Ours never did either until our toddler began harrassing them mercilessly. According to the CDCP, the majority of dog attacks happen in familiar places by a dog that belongs to the victim’s family or friend. Also, dog food and their toys with small parts can also be choking hazards.
What to Do? Teach your children to be gentle with dogs and to never tease, corner, hit, or disturb a dog that’s eating or sleeping. Keep pet toys out of reach of children, and once your dog has finished a meal, make sure to put any remaining food our of the children’s reach.
Power Windows in Your Vehicle
Car windows can cause serious damage to children by crushing the delicate bones in their hands, arms, neck, or head. If your child puts his head or arm out the window and accidentally leans on the switch, the window can close on them. It won’t stop like a garage door will.
What to Do? Use the window lock function so children can’t operate the windows. Never leave your child alone in your vehicle when it’s on, and if you roll down a window, make sure to always ensure your child doesn’t have any part of his body in it when you roll it back up.
Your Purse
But not just your purse. Your make-up bag, older child’s backpack, dad’s briefcase could contain items that could poison, choke, or injure children. Think of the things you keep in those items: medications, change, hard candy, pen caps, safety pins, nail scissors, and matches.
What to Do? Keep purses and other similar items in a closet or somewhere your children can’t reach them.
Can you think of other household hazards that might be unsafe?
