Child-Safe Home
An Overview of the Most Important Things to Know About Child-Proofing Your Home
- Accidents most often happen in the home.
- Falls, poisonings, and burns are among the biggest risks.
- Outlet covers, stair gates, and furniture that won’t tip over are important safety measures.
- Cleaning supplies, medications, and small parts must be kept securely locked away.
- Small children should never be left unattended in the bathroom or on the balcony.
Child-Safe Home: How to Protect Your Toddler from Accidents
When children learn to walk, the risk of accidents increases. Full of curiosity, your child is now setting out to explore—without being able to assess potential dangers. This means parents 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 toddler starting to get around? Be aware of potential hazards!
As your child takes their first steps, their range of movement expands dramatically. A bookshelf quickly becomes a climbing frame, the edge of a rug a tripping hazard, and a trash can an exciting treasure chest: Many potential dangers 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 toddlers?
The most common causes of injuries in young children are:
- Falls
- Burns and scalds
- Electrical accidents
- Drowning
- Poisoning
The following measures help significantly reduce these 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-proof 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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