Knives, forks, scissors, light
Children experience the world by discovering, trying out and pushing frontiers. Of course, nobody wants something to happen to them. Therefore, certain safety measures are necessary.
Fortunately, a child’s mobility is very restricted at the beginning, therefore, you do not have to make the home child-safe from day one. But when a child begins to crawl the house needs to be made child proof and safe.
Secure all sockets with child-safe devices – even those that are in continuous use. Simple stick on versions are available at any drugstore or department store. The baby’s bed should not be near any sockets. Furniture should stand firm or even be secured to the wall. Windows within access of a child should be secured with child safety devices. The same applies to cupboards that contain things unsuitable for small children – unless they can be locked. But then the key should be outside the reach of the child.
Securely stored
Drawers are there to be pulled open. To prevent the child from catching its fingers in them or getting at the cutlery and other unsuitable objects, you can easily attach child safety devices. Drawers containing toys and children’s clothes should remain accessible to the child. But the child should not be able to pull the drawer completely out in order to prevent injuries.
Cleaning agents, washing powder, medicine, alcohol, pesticides or fertiliser, cosmetics, petrol, spirit, lamp oil and paint should not get into the hands of a child. They are potentially poisonous, dangerous and a health hazard. Store them in a safe area out of reach. Or you keep the material in a locked cupboard to which the child has no key. Plastic bags or rubbish bags, tools, knives, scissors, lighters and matches should be unreachable for the child. The safe handling of such objects needs to be taught by a grown-up.
Prevent falling
If your home has a staircase, you should place a barrier, that the child can’t open, at the top and bottom of the stairs. The intervals of the staircase or balcony bars should be so narrow that the child’s head can’t fit through them. Beware with balconies: children quickly work out how to climb on a chair or table to look over the side. Do not let the child play unattended.
One last point: tablecloths can be easily pulled down with everything that is on it – hot dishes, sharp or heavy objects. It might be easier not to use a tablecloth during the first years of the child’s life.
If you have more questions on these topics, we will gladly help you personally. You will find further information about age-based handling of such danger sources on the Safe kids site.
