The common HAZARDS

in your home that can injure kids

You might be careful to keep your children away from sharp surfaces, computers and steep stairs, but there are plenty of less obvious dangers lurking in your home that could hurt or even kill - your children.

From changing tables to blinds and toys, it can be easy to overlook some of the home’s most dangerous hazards.

SO WHAT ARE THEY?

CRIB

One of the main dangers in a home is your baby’s crib, which you should ensure is Australian Standards approved and in accordance with Safe Sleeping Guidelines. Experts at Medium highlighted that while you might think inheriting an old crib from a family member will save you money, in fact it might not meet the current safety standards and it may end up suffocating or strangling your child.

‘Ensure that the mattress is tight and snugly - if the mattress is smaller than the cot this can cause entrapment,’ medical experts at Tiny House Education said.

You also shouldn’t be able to slip more than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of your baby’s cot.

CHANGING TABLE

It’s not only the crib that can cause a host of problems. Your baby’s changing table also needs to be ‘baby-proofed’ and paid attention to.

‘Babies have a way of surprising you and finding ways to roll off a changing table or other surfaces when left unattended,’ experts at Medium said.

‘This is why it is crucial never to leave your baby alone on the changing table - not even for a few seconds.’ So when you do change your baby, ensure everything you need - from nappies to baby wipes - is well within reach.

DOORS THAT HAVEN’T BEEN SECURED

What baby or child hasn’t bruised themselves from bashing into a door at some stage or another? But you can prevent such accidents from happening - or at least limit them - by placing childproof door knobs on the outside of the doors to make sure they can’t get through. It’s worth remembering that lever door handles are extremely easy for a child to get through - but there are baby proof lever handle covers that secure the door handles preventing infants from opening them.