Health and Safety for Children

Health and Safety for children in the home is an important issue. Preventable accidents need not occur if some important measures are followed up. Areas in the home to be made safe for baby are the Bathroom, kitchen, baby's room and everywhere that baby can reach and explore.

Health and Safety for children in the Bathroom:

for the well-being of baby, never leave babies or young children alone in the bath tub. Drowning can occur over a few inches of water. If the phone rings, take baby with you.

have the hot water system turned down to a safe 50 degrees.

for child safety in your home, store away any electrical items. Plugged in hairdryers and water are lethal combinations and can electrocute anyone in the bath.

use tap guards on hot water taps.

for health and safety issues, store away any medicines and sharp items in a locked cupboard, high up out of reach of children.

bathroom heaters should be out of reach of children.

always wash hands thoroughly after changing nappies, going to the toilet or before food preparation.

Health and Safety for children in the Kitchen:

use an adjustable gates to keep small children out of the kitchen.

turn pot handles away from the front of the stove.

hot liquids should be out of reach from little fingers.

ovens should be securely fixed firmly to the floor to prevent tipping over.

replace tablecloths with place mats.

use a stable high chair and its safety strap each mealtime.

Health and Safety in Baby's Room:

Install safety locks in windows

remove small objects e.g. pins and coins to prevent accidental swallowing and suffocation. Anything that can fit into a film canister is a potential choking hazard for baby.

remove plastic bags.

do not put baby to sleep with clothing and bibs with drawstrings. Pillows and soft toys should not be in the cot with babies under 1 year old.

The subject of immunization has to be discussed with your Health Care Professional. Again, Adult Supervision of small children is the best safety defense. Prayer for those who believe in it ensures peace of mind.