When you look around your home, you can name the biggest hazards and risks to your child’s safety, right? The stairs, check. The outlets, check. Cords and cables, check. But hidden among the common hazards you can list off the top of your head are other serious hazards that you may have never realized existed. You may not even want to believe that some of these hazards exist or could bring harm to your children. After all, you know what you’re doing. You’re a parent.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try as parents, there are always ways that your children could be injured that you may not think about. Here are some surprising hazards in your home that may take you off guard, but should certainly not be taken lightly.
The dishwasher. The dishwasher is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, convenience in your home. But it always poses a serious hazard to your young children. If your child can open the dishwasher, they will have access to steaming water and wafting steam, knives and forks, and dish washing detergent. Also, remember to always check your dishwasher before you start it. Small children may be able to crawl into the dishwasher and become lodged without your knowledge.
The oven range. You’ve taken the time to ensure that you purchased a range with knobs only on the top and not on the front. But did you anchor your range to the wall? Just like furniture in your home, if your child tries to climb the front of the oven range, it can tip over, crushing your child.
Bath seats and bath rings. You purchase bath seats and rings to help your baby sit upright in the tub and to protect them from a drowning hazard. But they remain a hazard if you leave your child alone even for a few minutes. Bath seats and rings anchor to the bottom of your tub using suction cups, which are not guaranteed to stay suctioned to the tub. If they release, the seat or ring will tip over, trapping your child in the water.
Remember, your home is full of hidden hazards. It’s important to look out for every possible risk factor and take appropriate action to keep your children safe.