Safety Indoors For Babies

Safety Indoors For Babies

• To learn more about safety, visit the 'Safety House' at the Kidsafe WA Council, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco.
• The 'Safety House' shows what you can do to make your house safe and accident proof. If you can't visit, there are booklets and pamphlets available.
• Kitchen and dining rooms:
  • Use some type of child proof lock on cupboards and drawers. They're available from hardware shops and some supermarkets.
  • Keep dishwashing liquids and caustic cleaning materials locked away in an out of reach cupboard.
  • Keep one spare cupboard 'safe' for your toddler/child with things like saucepan lids, plastic cups, saucers and containers to play with.
  • Keep dishwashers, washing machines and driers closed at all times. Wipe away any leftover detergent after use.
  • Stove and fire guards are available so that children won't get burnt.
  • Always turn saucepan handles inwards. Children love reaching for things.
  • Keep cords and appliances at the back of a bench. Never let cords dangle.
  • High chairs must be stable. Use a safety strap when a child is in a high chair.
• Family/living room:
  • Coffee tables must be free of objects which an exploring toddler can pull off.
  • Safety plugs can be fitted into all power points in the house
  • Solid fuel, gas and electric heaters must be guarded with screens so children don't burn themselves. Make sure they are in fixed positions so they can't be pulled over.
  • Use child proof cigarette lighters and keep matches out of reach.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms:
  • Cot mattresses must fit snugly so the child doesn't get caught down the side.
  • Once a toddler can climb out of a cot it's a good time to change to a bed.
  • Cots and beds need to be away from windows so the child doesn't try to climb out or get tangled in curtains or cords.
  • Electric blankets should not be used.
  • Most babies and children love water. Even shallow water in baths and containers is dangerous. NEVER leave babies or young children alone, even near the smallest amount of water.
  • Always carefully check the heat of the bath water. Test water temperature with your elbow. Put cold water in first, then hot.
  • Run cold water through the tap so the water in the tap cools down. Child resistant taps are available.
  • Electrical appliances and water are deadly. Always use them in separate rooms.
  • Medicines must be placed out of reach and locked away.
  • Keep nappy buckets out of reach and with the lid on firmly.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

Safety For Babies :: Safety Indoors For Babies :: Poisons And Medicines For Babies
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