- Playpens can be very dangerous places if piled high with toys. The fewer the better. Babies may be hurt by falling onto toys and toddlers will try to escape by climbing onto the toys to get out.
- String on toys can often get tangled and could get tied around a child’s throat – be extra vigilant or better still avoid them altogether
- Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers can be very dangerous placed if left open and children use them as hiding places. A £1 lock can keep them permanently shut to small hands
- Over 5000 people including toddlers trip and injure themselves due to washing piled high and left on the floor – so don’t
- Door hinges invite curious fingers, which can often get trapped and in many cases broken. Make sure doors are secured open or shut.
- It takes only 1 metre (3 feet ) of electrical cord to endanger a toddlers – tie up all loose wiring or place within a safety cylinder
- Most accidents happen in the living/dinning room – there are numerous dangers lurking. Padding should be secured around hard edges, move the stereo out of reach, fit a video lock, use socket inserts on electrical points, cover any glass panels with safety film, cover fire places and install a fire extinguisher/ have a fire blanket easily available.
- Teething babies can and do regularly chew on wires. Cover them up or place them in a protective tube.
- Just a tiny slither of glass from a broken photo frame can harm a baby. Place frames away from reach, along with heavy objects that might tumble and ornamental knick-knacks.
- Free-standing bookshelves can easier topple – secure shelves to the wall
- Fireplaces, as well as being a danger if lit – make sure you have a fixed-fire guard – can cause added danger if a child trips and hits his head on the tiles.
- About 11,000 injuries are caused by toilet seats each year – have a toilet lock to stop inquisitive children from falling in
- We don’t know why but toddlers love cotton buds – 9000 injuries a year – they can be poked in the eyes, or swallowed. Keep all other toiletries out of sight.
- A baby can drown in 1 inch of water – never leave your babies or toddlers alone in the bath. Ensure your bath has a bath mat – not the little rubber stickers – children easily slip between them.
- Avoid small foam toys – they can easily cause choking.
- Toothpaste and mouthwash are dangerous if swallowed in large quantities – lock them away
- Remove any toy box or chair from under a windowsill – an adventurous child can easily use it as a lunching pad to the outside world.
- Cat flaps are treacherous – babies can easily get their head stuck in them.
- And don’t forget the dangers in the garden, garage and outhouses where young children love to explore. Don’t let them.
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Competition ends 31st May 2013Groups
