Written by: Patrick Brown
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of fatalities and hospital visits for Canadians from birth to the age of 44. Unfortunately, young children represent an extremely large percentage of those who sustain injuries each year.
I know; as a personal injury lawyer in Toronto, I’ve represented many such cases. For babies and kids, danger lurks everywhere. It is very easy for children to wander into dangerous situations, even in the home. However, there are numerous steps that parents can take to “childproof” each room.
Here are a few tips you can use to childproof your home:
- Replace all sockets with plastic inserts. This prevents children from sticking fingers or objects into the sockets, which could cause electrocution.
- Constantly check the floor for small objects that may have fallen and could be swallowed.
- Install a safety gate at the top and the bottom of stairs.
- Keep tools and appliances (such as hair dryers) unplugged and out of reach.
- Buy toy chests without lids, or lids that stay up when they are opened.
- Remove all unnecessary blankets and stuffed animals from a baby’s crib.
- Install cordless blinds throughout the house, to avoid strangulation.
- Keep cleaning supplies in a high cupboard rather than under the sink in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Never leave water standing in the bath, sink or even a bucket. Babies and young kids can drown in only a few inches of water.
Check the safety standards of your child’s crib, bed and car seat. Avoid purchasing these items from other people who have used them in the past, as they may not be safe to use.
