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More than 7,000 children and teens in the United States die each year from unintentional injuries, according to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Safety Research. To make matters worse, many of these accidental injuries happen at home.
Babies and toddlers can get into more trouble than you might imagine. Some babyproofing tactics may seem obvious, like covering outlets and securing kitchen cabinets. But what about the less obvious hazards around your home, like dishwasher doors and doorknobs?
While it’s best to keep your eye on your child at all times, especially when they’re young, the reality is that you may not always be able to stay a step ahead of them. Whether you’re a new parent preparing for baby, or you have a toddler who just started walking, this checklist can help you keep your home safe.
Sources: West BA, Rudd RA, et al. Unintentional i... + 11
- West BA, Rudd RA, et al. Unintentional injury deaths in children and youth, 2010–2019. Journal of Safety Research. 2021. Volume 78, Pages 322-330.
- Nemours KidsHealth.org. Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents. 2022. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- National Safety Council. Childproofing Your Home. 2022. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- HealthyChildren.org. 5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Infants & Young Children. January 25, 2017. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. Guns in the Home: How to Keep Kids Safe. Last Updated September 30, 2023.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Warns: Pools Are Not the Only Drowning Danger at Home for Kids - Data Show Other Hazards Cause More than 100 Residential Child Drowning Deaths Annually. May 23, 2002. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Custom Window Coverings to Prevent Deaths and Serious Injuries from Strangulation; Window Covering Cords Now Deemed a Substantial Product Hazard. Release Date: November 02, 2022.
- HealthyChildren.org. Kitchen Safety. November 6, 2019. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- AnchorIt.gov. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- MedlinePlus. Automatic dishwasher soap poisoning. April 1, 2022. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- Nemours KidsHealth.org. Household Safety: Preventing Strangulation and Entrapment. January 2020. Accessed April 6, 2022.
- Poison.org. Accessed April 6, 2022.
