When you have children, it’s your job to keep them safe and healthy. We tend to do this in countless ways. We hold their hand when we cross the street. We give them a healthy and balanced diet to maximize their well-being and to help them grow strong. We ensure they’re getting enough exercise. We keep an eye on them at all times. But one space we often let our guard down in is the safety of our own homes. Our homes are confined spaces where we can relax. But it’s also important to be aware that the average property can pose a number of health and safety risks to your child. Here are some areas to focus on to make your home as safe and healthy as it can possibly be.
Decluttering and Deep Cleaning
Kids tend to come hand in hand with a lot of clutter and mess. They bring home items they don’t really want or need. They grow out of toys that then just take up space and go untouched. They haven’t yet learned how to clean up after themselves. So, it’s your responsibility to routinely declutter and deep clean your living space. Make sure to go through all your belongings and determine what you and your child use or need, what has genuine sentimental value and what falls outside of these categories. Sell, donate or give items falling into the final category to friends, family, and charity. You should recycle items that can’t be used anymore. Then deep clean every space in your home. Use a carpet cleaning machine on carpets, dust, and wipe down surfaces.
Air Quality
Few of us consider the air quality in our homes, but air quality can deeply impact all of our health, including our children’s. Consider investing in air purification systems like Hunter Pure Air, as these will actively work to create a healthy environment, where children can breathe in the best quality air possible.
Blind Cords
Do you have blinds in your home? Make sure that the cords are always tied up out of the way of your children. Blind cords can tangle children and pose a suffocation risk. Most come with special hooks where the cords can be tied up out of children’s reach.
Cupboard Locks
Kids will get into just about anywhere while exploring, so it’s important that you place certain places out of bounds. Cupboard locks can help you lock any cupboards at child level, preventing them from getting in. This is useful for cupboards containing threats such as plastic bags, medicine, cleaning products, and more.
Houseplants
Most of us like having houseplants in our living spaces, but once you have children and pets, you may not be able to have all of the varieties that you used to. You need to check whether any plants in your home are toxic and remove any that are. You never know when your child or pet might start chewing on them or eating them without you noticing.
It really does take a lot of effort to keep your home safe for your little ones, but the steps outlined above really can help.