It is one of our most important duties as adults to make sure our young ones are carefully cared for, educated, and protected. Without properly protecting their health and wellbeing, nothing else matters! Today, we will talk about some of the primary safety concerns facing young children and explore some ways we can address them.
For Babies, Products Matter
When it comes to the safety of newborns, the product you purchase really will matter. There are specific safety standards which any crib, playpen, high chair, or changing table must meet. For example, when shopping for a crib, you need to make sure that they do not have any more than 2.4 inches of space in between each slat. Playpens such meet similar requirements. When using a playpen, only place soft, non-choking hazard toys inside. High chairs must have safety straps if they are to be considered safe.
Drowning Danger
Drowning claims the lives of many children each and every year. The danger is particularly high here in the Southwest, where home pools are common. It is commonly said that children can drown in less than two inches of water. Never leave your young one unsupervised around any amount of water. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, make sure it is fenced in on all four sides.
Finally, Focus on Safe Eating
Focusing on safe eating means increasing your awareness of both choking hazards and potentially dangerous or toxic foods. Children will try to put almost anything in their mouths. This may include prescription medications or cleaning products. Always store these items somewhere out of reach or under lock and key. Teach children that they need to completely chew food before swallowing to avoid choking. If you are ever concerned about something your child may have consumed, contact a healthcare professional without hesitation.