Home Safety Tips for Families
June 13, 2019This post was sponsored by Window Covering Safety Council as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
As a mom, nothing that tops my list of priorities more than the safety of my family. In the home, there are actually quite a few hazards that can pose a danger to the well-being of little ones. Today I’ll be sharing some of the most common hazards, including corded window coverings, accessible medications, unprotected stairs, and more.
1. Magnets
Magnets are an incredibly dangerous hazard for children. If swallowed, the magnets may attract one another in the intestines, potentially causing perforations and sepsis. This is a preventable hazard. Be sure to remove all small magnets from your child’s playroom. A common source of magnets in the home is on the refrigerator- keep all those fridge magnets out of the reach of children.
2. Window coverings
Did you know that June is National Safety Month? This means that now is the perfect time to assess your home’s safety when it comes to young children. One lesser-known – yet still major – safety concern involves window coverings. Did you know that dangling cords pose a serious strangulation hazard to infants and young children? In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes. It’s important to replace them with cordless products.
If you live in a home with young children, it’s essential to install cordless window coverings or ones with inaccessible cords.
If you’re not sure which window covering products are best for you, look for the Best for Kids™ certification label. Best for Kids products are currently available at major retailers across the country.
Back in December 2018, a new standard was passed that affects the availability of corded window coverings in retailers. Since then, anyone wishing to purchase corded window coverings must special-order them directly through manufacturers rather than purchasing in-store.
This is great news for those of us looking for cordless window coverings. Ever since this new standard was passed, purchasing cordless window coverings is now easy and convenient.
3. Small batteries
Those high-powered, button-sized lithium batteries that are used to power small electronic devices are very dangerous for kids. They can get stuck in the esophagus and cause severe chemical burns. If there are any devices that use these batteries in your home, make sure an adult is present whenever a child is playing with these devices. Examples of these devices include greeting cards, remote controls, watches, hearing aids, thermometers, calculators, toys. Another good tip is to use thick tape to cover up the battery areas where coin-batteries are housed.
4. Medicine & Cleaners
Both cleaning supplies and medications can be dangerous to young children, so they need to be locked away for safety. Make sure that all detergents, bleaches and medicines are locked away in high-reaching cabinets (or ones outfitted with child-proof locks.) Ensure that child safety caps are engaged whenever closing medicine bottles. Use cabinet locks to keep the doors shut.
5. Stairway Gates
This tip is especially important for younger children, but if you have stairways in your home, putting up a gate is essential for crawlers and those just learning to walk. There are multiple types of gates available on the market. In general, the ones that are screwed into the wall are more secure than the ones that are held up by tension only.
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I do not have small kids anymotre but the outlet covers and locks to our cabinets with cleaning products is still there. These are all great tips I will pass on to my friends and family with small children.
YES! small batteries are always something i worry about bc my kids love to play with the remotes in our house and i get worried that they’ll take them apart and eat it ha. thanks for these other tips too
These are some great tips! I have to admit I’ve not thought about a lot of these things being such a hazard but it really does make sense! Little fingers like to try all sorts.
Great list and tips!! Given my son is young, we definitely have window coverings, which isn’t something everyone thinks of! Thanks for getting the word out!
Blinds, batteries, and magnets have always been concerns of mine. But there are an amazing amount of household hazards to look out for when we have kids!
These are all super helpful and amazing tips. I think it’s going to help a lot parents out there. The kid looks adorable.
There are so many hazards that you may not immediately be aware of when you have kids. It is so important to make sure your home is childproofed!
Such an informative post. The safest place for kids which is their home could be filled with imminent danger and hazards. Common items of the house like batteries, medicine, etc could assume dangerous proportions. Nice tips to take preventive measures proactively.
I didn’t know they made cordless blinds! They are a hazard even to pets who like to grab items that may sway.
These are all such great tips. I’m always careful when it comes to the safety of my kids. I think you have a lot of great tips here.
This is great post. I have friends who have kids and I think that they would really like this.
Great tips! I’ve heard so many windows cover accidents. I always put batteries higher up.
I have been afraid of blind cords for a long time. I refused to put any beds by windows because of it.
Great information that everyone should know. Family safety is our utmost job as a mom.
My kids are bigger now but I”m still very careful with things lying around the house that could be unsafe for them. Great tips here.