Surprising Safety Hazards That Every Parent Should Be Aware Of

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As parents, our children's safety is our top-most priority. We will do anything for our kid's safety, and we should be aware of what's safe and what's not. Even in the comfort of our own home, kids can get into accidents if not taught and supervised well.

You'd be shocked to know that there is certain stuff at home that you would not expect to be a possible danger to your kids. To know more about these safety hazards at home, here are 10 safety hazards that you think it's okay to be around with kids, but can actually be dangerous. 

Misuse of bottles and pacifiers

As parents, we would always give our kids bottles and pacifiers when they are just lounging around the house to keep them preoccupied. But, studies and experts have proven that this is not a good thing to do. Misuses of bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups can lead to accidents that parents would not ever envision. To avoid these accidents, parents should know that kids over 6 months should already not be using pacifiers anymore. Using bottles when kids can walk is also not advisable and letting them walk around the house with a sippy cup on hand can also be dangerous.

Kitchen Ranges

Always make sure that your kitchen ranges are properly installed that it will not fall over your kids when they walk around the kitchen. There is also a percentage of kid accidents that are caused by stoves or kids that were poured over by hot water. Make sure your slide-in ranges are installed with anti-tip brackets that secure the rear legs. 

Hand-Me-Down Baby Stuff

Although it would be practical to reuse baby gears from your older kids or from a family member, hand-me-down baby gears can also be dangerous. Used toys and baby equipment may have lost a piece or part, which can lead to accidents. When accepting hand-me-downs, always make sure that the gear is still good to use and check every piece for damaged or missing parts.

Toiletries and Baby Baths and Oils

When buying baby products for baths, always check the label and check the contents of the product. Some oils and baths for babies contain hydrocarbons which are actually dangerous and can cause pneumonia to the baby. Store all bath and baby oils that cannot be reached by your kids. 

Power Windows

Car windows can be very dangerous to your kids, especially if you have automatic ones. Without supervision, your children might stick out their hands or fingers as the window closes. We don't want to lose a finger, don't we? So better check on your kids before starting your car engines. 

Dishwashers

Most dishwashers are placed below our sinks, which are at reach by children. Dishwashers may contain sharp objects such as knives and fragile objects such as plates that will cause accidents to your kids. The detergent may also irritate your kid's eyes and skin. As a safety measure, when putting knives in the dishwasher, point them downwards and never fill the dispenser with a detergent until you're using the dishwasher.

Balloons

Latex balloons have caused a numerous amount of accidents to children, including choking and chewing balloons. This will conform to the child's throat and will completely block your kid's breathing. 

Soft Bedding

We think soft beddings can be safe for kids, but think again. Fluffy comforters and bumper pads can mold around your kid's face and will suffocate them in just seconds of lying down. Avoid putting pillows, comforters, and a thick bumper in your baby's crib until they're a year old.

Bath Seats

This can be a drowning hazard for your babies even if you just leave them for a few seconds. Around 106 babies get drowned because they are being unattended on their bath seats while being given a bath by their parents.

Pets

Kids under age 10 often are sent to emergency rooms because of their family dogs. This includes bite injuries. It's always best to be around when your kids play with your pets. Teach your children to be gentle when it comes to pets so it won't trigger any aggressive attitude on the pet.