Protecting Young Children in the Home

Usually parents start to think about safety in the home when their little baby begins to crawl or walk. Young children are very curious by nature and this is why we should pay attention even to small details. Our house is filled with different trinkets, heavy vases with flowers on the window sills, unprotected sockets and wires. All these may harm a curious child. Thus only constant parental supervision will provide for a child’s safety. Of course, some parents prefer playpens, protective barriers and safety gates. But although one may use these convenient devices, one should always keep an eye on one’s child.

Don’t look at the problem through your own eyes, but imagine yourself as a baby and try to figure out potential threats in your home.

1. Small items. Remember, toddlers will put anything in their mouths. So you should protect children from all the little things that may be dangerous, coins and batteries in particular.

2. Plants. Make sure that plants you have in your home are not poisonous. Check whether pots with flowers are fixed in a stable way to shelves and window sills.

3. Wires and cords. Beware of wires from electrical device a child may pull them and drop them on their self. Curtain cords should be wrapped so that they may not hang and be pulled.

4. Sharp edges, doors, heating systems. Place special soft tips on the sharp edges of tables, nightstands and other furniture. If there is a fireplace or very hot batteries in your home, place protective barriers around them to prevent burns.

5. Electrical sockets. There are several types of such outlets: for example, outlets that open only when you turn the plug.

6. Dangerous substances. Keep drugs, cleaning and washing products, vinegar, etc. in a safe place.

7. Sharp objects. Install special locks on cutlery drawer to block access to knives and forks.

8. Windows. If a child has learned to climb, he or she will probably try to get on to the window sill. At this age children are very mobile and like to explore their world. The best way to secure your child is to install handles with locks or special blocking devices on window sashes.

We ask Allah to make our houses the most comfortable and safe for us and our loved ones.