Child-Safe Home
An Overview of the Most Important Things for a Child-Safe Home
- Accidents most often happen in the home.
- Falls, poisonings, and burns are among the greatest risks.
- Outlet covers, stair gates, and tip-resistant furniture are important safety measures.
- Cleaning supplies, medications, and small parts must be kept securely locked away.
- Never leave small children unattended in the bathroom or on the balcony.
Child-Safe Home: How to Protect Your Child from Accidents
As children become more mobile, their curiosity and desire to explore grow. This also increases the risk of accidents. For parents, this means they need to be extra vigilant. However, many potential hazards in the home can be mitigated with simple measures. Find out here how to reduce the risk of accidents and make your home child-safe.
Is your baby starting to move around? Be aware of potential hazards!
Once your child starts crawling, their range of movement expands dramatically. A shelf quickly becomes a way to pull themselves up, things lying around become makeshift teething rings, and a trash can turns into an exciting treasure chest: Many potential hazards for young children lurk around the house.
That’s why it’s important to look at your home through your child’s eyes. Once you’re aware of the dangers, it’s easier to reduce them.
What are the most common accident risks for children in the home?
The most common causes of injuries at home are:
- Falls
- Burns and scalds
- Electrical Accidents
- Drowning
- Poisoning
The following measures help significantly reduce the risks.
Safety in Individual Living Areas
Poisonings
Poisoning can be caused by, among other things,
- medications,
- tobacco and cigarettes,
- corrosive cleaning agents,
- varnishes and paints,
- poisonous plants,
- alcoholic beverages.
Do not leave anything within your child’s reach, and make sure to use child-resistant caps.
Where can we find help and advice?
Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. The important thing is to stay calm and get help immediately. In case of a medical emergency, call the emergency number 112.
If your child may have swallowed medication, cleaning products, or other hazardous substances, contact the Poison Control Hotline or a poison information center immediately. The Poison Control Hotline is available 24 hours a day for acute poisoning incidents. The North Rhine-Westphalia Poison Information Center (Bonn Poison Control Center) can be reached by phone at 0228 19240.
The Emergency Checklist may be helpful. You can find a template available for free download on the website of the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG). Write down the most important emergency phone numbers and hang the checklist in a clearly visible place where everyone can see it.
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