Household Dangers For Small Children

Window Cords

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), once a month a child dies from being entangled in window covering cords, and it is important to make sure all loose cords are inaccessible to kids. Even if your toddlers are growing up, continue to keep the cords out of reach, as most recently, a 6-year-old from Maryland passed away after becoming entangled.

Source: Flickr user mendhak

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Hot Hair Tools

Many a mama (me included) rely on a flat iron to get ready in the morning, but don't just unplug it after you're done, because hair tools are responsible for serious pediatric burns more and more these days. Put it out of sight and reach of little curious hands. Better yet, get a protective cover, and put it away!

Source: Flickr user Dee West

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Oil Diffusers

Most parents know to avoid candles while small children are around, but another scented favorite is dangerous in another way. The opening at the top is wide enough for a child to take a swig or spill the contents — and according to the National Capital Poison Center, two common ingredients (isopropyl alcohol and essential oils) can be dangerous to a child who swallows (or even handles) them.

Source: Flickr user Megan Duong

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Detergent Pods

These handy little dishwasher/washing machine detergent pods are also appealing to tots, because, to a small eye, they resemble candy, teething products, and even toys. However, these packets dissolve quickly and release highly concentrated toxic chemicals when contacted with water, wet hands, or saliva (which sounds like every child under four that I know). Like all other cleaning products, make sure to put them up and out of reach!

Source: Flickr user US CPSC

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Small Batteries

The fact is that coin- or button-sized batteries are everywhere in our homes (remotes, phones, toys, watches, etc.). It's unavoidable, so just make sure kids do not have direct access to them (tighten screws, add strong tape, and/or put them out of reach). The CPSC warns that even "dead" batteries can cause life-threatening chemical burns inside the body in as little as two hours.

Source: Flickr user peter-rabbit

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Protective Film

A lot of electronics and mirrored toys come with a clear protective film stuck on certain parts to ensure the product is not scratched before reaching its new home, but be sure to remove all films before your tot does. Kids could put it in their mouths and gag or even choke on it.

Source: Flickr user Karagines

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Dressers

My son was a climber, and one of his favorite things to do was pull out a few drawers on his tall dresser, use them as steps, and access the prized items at the top. Got a curious little monkey too? Then be sure to anchor furniture to the wall. Tall furniture can topple over much easier than expected (especially if the drawers are pulled out) and can result in serious injury and even death.

Source: Flickr user Wayan Vota

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Baby-Monitor Cords

The very same product that we use to keep babies safe could actually do harm. The CPSC says that the cord poses a strangulation risk if the child pulls the cord into the crib and the cord becomes wrapped around the child's neck, so make sure to keep the cord (or any cord) at least three feet from a crib. And once your tot is mobile, secure all cords to the floor or on the wall (out of reach), or get rid of them altogether.

Source: Flickr user uncene

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Balloons

There's no doubt that kids love balloons, but monitor your baby's balloon playtime closely, and discard of any popped balloon bits immediately, as they are a serious choking hazard. Believe it or not, kids still find joy in deflated balloons, but only allow this fun for kids over the age of 8.

Source: Flickr user Shannon

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Pet Water Bowls

We gate our pools, lock down our toilet seats, and act as life guard during bath time, but what about your dog's water bowl? Babes love to splash around in that nasty ol' bowl, but put Fido's water out of sight (and reach) for your kiddo. After all, it only takes a few inches of water for a child to drown (and some larger dogs' bowls are the size of small bathtubs).

Source: Flickr user Ashley Holmes

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