Make Your Home WORDS: Bridget Stack: www.consumersafety.org Children and babies are curious, a good trait that should be encouraged and guided in the right direction. However, that curiosity can sometimes put infants and kids in danger, especially if we are not careful to maintain a safe environment around them. The home is meant to be a place of rest, relaxation, and safety for everyone in the family – including infants and toddlers. However, it is very easy to come into contact with dangerous substances, objects, and situations within the home, especially for young children and babies.Following these guidelines will help you minimize the dangers of hazards in your home and make it a safe space for all who live there or visit! TOYS & GAMES With toys and games, children can have a great time using their imaginations to think creatively and learn essential mechanical skills. However, it is important to ensure toys and games are appropriate for the age of the children who play with them, especially when it comes to toys and games for infants and toddlers. Follow these toy-related safety tips to ensure a fun and injury-free playtime for your youngster • Follow age recommendations on toys and games, adjusting for interest and skill level as appropriate. • Discard plastic wrappings and other packaging immediately and appropriately. • For young children, avoid toys and games with small or removable parts, as they may become choking hazards. • Inspect toys regularly for sharp edges, dangerous materials (e.g., metal, glass, batteries, etc.), or signs of damage and wear. • Get rid of toys that are broken. • Keep toys with cords, strings, or ribbons away from cribs and playpens. OUTLETS Outlets provide the danger of potential shock and even ��re. This is especially true for babies and toddlers as they become mobile. They may try to stick ��ngers or other objects into outlets, pull on cords, or express their natural curiosity in other potentially dangerous ways. Follow these guidelines to keep outlets safe, especially from infants and toddlers. • Use tamper-resistant receptacles or install outlet safety covers on all outlets. • Replace or repair damaged/loose electrical cords immediately. • Never run extension cords across doorways or under carpets. • Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry room, basement, and outdoor areas.
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