Hello there, this is Goke Akingbade (your Safety Guide) back to bring you health and safety tips and advice.
Today we continue our discussion on the remaining safety hazards that children are exposed to at home.
(7) Bath and Baby Oils
The Danger: Some bath and baby oils 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.
Safe Approach: The CPSC requires child-resistant packaging for products containing hydrocarbons. Read labels and store all bath and baby oils out of your child’s reach, even if they’re in child-resistant packaging. (The same goes for other household and cosmetic products containing liquid hydrocarbons or mineral oil, such as some makeup removers, massage oils, and nail-polish dryers.) “Child-resistant caps don’t always keep kids out — they just slow them down,” says Karen Sheehan, MD, an emergency-room physician at Children’s Memorial Hospital.
(8)The Family Dog
The Danger: About 100,000 children under age 10 are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for dog-bite-related injuries, according to the CDCP. The majority of attacks happen in familiar places by a dog that belongs to the victim’s family or friend. Pet food and pet toys with small parts can also be choking hazards.
Safe Approach: Never leave children alone with a dog. Having dogs spayed or neutered can reduce aggressive tendencies. Teach children to be gentle with dogs and to never tease, corner, or disturb a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Until children are 3, don’t buy pet toys with small parts that can be pulled off. Remove hard dog food when pets are done eating.
(9)Power Windows
The Danger: Car windows cause hundreds of children to lose their fingers or crush limbs each year. They’ve been associated with at least 28 deaths, according to Kids and Cars, a nonprofit child-advocacy group. If children put their head or hand out the window, then accidentally lean on the switch, the window can close on them.
Safe Approach: Use the lock function so children can’t operate power windows. Never leave your child alone in a vehicle.
Babyproofing Your Home:
Its never a bad idea to double-check grandma and grandpas house for any potential safety hazards. Make sure little ones arent getting into something they shouldnt and beware of any décor thats not child friendly. Follow these child safety tips to help baby proof the house and keep your child safe while visiting his grandparents.
(10) Pocketbooks and Purses
The Danger: Any cosmetic bag, backpack, or suitcase that someone brings into your home may contain items that could poison, choke, or injure children, such as medications, change, hard candy, pen caps, safety pins, nail scissors, and matches.
“It only takes a second for a small child to get into something that’s new and exciting while the adults are busy talking,” says Bridget Clementi, injury-prevention manager at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee.
Safe Approach: When friends and relatives visit, place purses and luggage in a closet or room where your child can’t get to them. This is where we will be concluding today, so till I come your way again, this is Goke Akingbade( your Safety guide) wishing you a safe and restful month ahead.
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