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safeguard your children in the home
All parents know that protecting your children from the many dangers that they face in their youngest stages can be difficult and multi-faceted. From the inside dangers that run the gamut from sharp kitchen utensils to hot surfaces to steep stairs, to the outside dangers of burglars and natural disasters, parents need to be prepared for anything. From the most simple precautions such as stowing glass objects to the big issues of installing home security systems, parents have to be able to anticipate the most imminent dangers and prevent them before accidents happen.
Child-proofing your home requires some common sense and some basic tools. Begin by situating a baby's crib in a part of the child's bedroom that is away from any lamps that the child could burn themselves on or curtains that they could use to hoist themselves up over the edge of the crib. In case of a fall, the child should be provided with cushioning, in the form of rugs and floor pillows, that could protect them from head injuries or other serious problems. The same rule should be applied to the area around the changing table, from which the child could fall if left unattended for even just a few seconds.
Poisonous substances are all around us and need to be stored in such a way as to not allow children to accidentally swallow them. Many containers come designed with child-proof lids that even some adults have trouble prying off, but for extra caution, pull toxic matters out from low spaces and stash them away on a high shelf. Do the same with your medicine cabinet, and keep an eye on purses or bags that may contain pill boxes or prescription medication. Also, don't forget about toxic liquids in the garage and the garden shed; fertilizers, weed killers, auto oil, and gasoline are serious hazards.
Another problem area is with small objects that children could place into their mouths and choke on. Be sure that your child plays with age-appropriate toys that do not have removable or detachable parts that could be swallowed, and scan your home for low-lying small objects, including marbles, coins, small jewelry, pins, and candy bowls with small candies. Cover electrical outlets with child-proof outlet covers to prevent your child from sticking their fingers or any foreign objects into the slots and electrocuting themselves. The same goes for the home security system, which should be installed well off the ground and without any hanging cords or wires that the child could get into.
Also, be sure to safeguard your child from sharp edges around the home. Table corners and doorways are particularly dangerous areas, and should be padded at least until the child is comfortable on his or her feet. Chairs and side tables that are unsteady should either be moved against a wall or secured in place to prevent a child from trying to climb onto the surface and slipping and falling.
written by expert - Levi Mortenson
child safety on trampolines
Watch out! If your child sees a trampoline they will most likely head straight for it and beg to give it a try. Children love the idea of bouncing up and down because it is so much fun. They may also think that it's as close to flying that they'll ever get. Moms, on the other hand, are worried about trampoline safety.
It may be surprising to know that jumping on a trampoline is safer than you might think. In fact, reports show that fewer children are hurt jumping on a trampoline than playing baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or riding a bicycle. A report also stated that as long as children follow the safety rules for trampolines, the numbers of injuries is quite low.
Most injuries sustained by children come when there are too many children on a trampoline at one time and one of them gets pushed off, they collide with another child, they land on the springs or frame, fall off of the trampoline and land on the ground, or they jump off of the trampoline rather than climbing off it properly.
Here are some trampoline safety rules to give your children when, and if, they are able to play on a trampoline:
* Be sure that the trampoline is put together properly before allowing anyone on it.
* Keep the area underneath the trampoline absolutely clear.
* Place the trampoline in a level area that is free of trees. There should be at least ten feet on all sides and at least twenty feet overhead.
* Only one person at a time is allowed to be on the trampoline.
* Somersaults are not allowed because of the risk of landing on your head or neck. Both of these injuries may cause paralysis.
* Keep the shock-absorbing pads on the trampoline at all times.
* Children under the age of six are not allowed on the trampoline.
* Adult supervision is necessary whenever children play on the trampoline. There should also be spotters near the sides for additional safety.
* If possible, purchase and use a trampoline enclosure to help prevent injuries from occurring.
* Don't allow children to jump from the trampoline; always have them climb off.
* Have children bounce low so they can remain in control. It is also best if they can stay as close to the center of the trampoline as possible.
Trampolines can be great fun. The exercise children receive while using them is also beneficial. While it's true that trampoline safety is, and should be a concern, if your children follow these trampoline safety rules, they will be less likely to be injured. If you're still not sure, why not give it a try for yourself to see how fun it is?
written by expert - Aldric Chang
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