Young children keep parents busy chasing them around. Unfortunately there are many household hazards that don't occur to parents until they are sitting in the ER so I thought I would take some time to review some of the ones that we see.
1. Counters. We frequently see injuries from when kids fall off counters (and beds and couches.) Many times parents put their car seat or bumbo seat on the counter and don't realize that the child can scoot or get themselves out of the seat. One of my favorite sayings is "You can't fall off the floor!"
2. Cords. Everyone knows the dangers of outlet plugs but what about the cords. I see patients that find a cord dangling off the counter and then pull the attached object down on themselves. Irons, electric frying pans, curling irons are all dangerous. Keep the cords out of reach after unplugging an appliance.
3. Coffee Tables. Many young kids fall off the couch and land on the coffee table. They hit their head on one of the corners and end up getting stitches. You might want to consider putting the coffee table away or against a wall until the jumping on the couch phase has passed.
4. Buckets. Young children have large heads which make them top heavy. It makes it easy for them to fall into a bucket of water and then drown. Keep your buckets empty. When my kids were young I would wait until they were asleep for me to mop or iron.
5. Bookcases. Many children think that they are monkeys and like to climb. Things like bookcases and large heavy TVs can be pulled over and then they crush the child. Consider anchoring furniture that can tip to the wall.
6. Bunk beds. It recommended that kids not use bunk beds until about age 6. I repeatedly see young children who fall off the top bunk.
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