WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

Once you baby is on the move he is exposed to new dangers. The most common include falls, burns and scalds, water hazards, poisons and baby walkers. Falls When you baby starts to crawl and later walk look out for anything that could injure her if she should fall. Putting padding on sharp corners and edges of furniture can prevent eye of head injuries. Stabilize or remove unstable furniture or anything that may topple over if your baby grabs it – things like standard lamps and coffee tables. Fit safety barriers at the top and bottom or stairs and the edges of decks and back doors. Burns and Scolds Make sure that your hot water temperature is turned down to 50oC. Always run the cold water into the bath before adding the hot water and keep bathroom and toilet doors shut. Always empty the bath as soon as you have finished with it and never leave baby in the bath unsupervised. Check the kitchen area for kettle cords and easily opened oven doors or draws. Tablecloths can be very dangerous as one tug can tip a cup of hot tea or coffee onto a child very easily. Water Hazards Water is a potential death trap – a baby can drown silently in just two minutes in as little as 4cm of water. Always empty the bath as soon as you have finished with it and never leave baby in the bath unsupervised. Use a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath to prevent slipping. Remove any containers of water such as nappy buckets, fish tanks, or pet drinking bowls. Make sure that your swimming pool and spa pool fencing complies with all fencing regulations. Poisons All poisons including household cleaners and medication should be locked away. Remember to also take care when in other peoples homes; Grandparents may keep their medication in their handbags and people without young children will have all kinds of poisons within reach of your little explorer. Baby Walkers The use of Baby Walkers is not recommended. A pre-mobile infant becomes an active toddler before they are developmentally ready. Common accidents associated with baby walkers include falls down stairs and scalds and burns.