When the baby turns your life upside down after the birth, nothing is the way it used to be. Especially with the first child, parents are entering uncharted territory - also when it comes to safety for the baby and later the toddler. It goes without saying that cleaning products and medicines must always be stored in a childproof place so that the youngest children never have access to them. However, other dangers often lurk in areas that you don't immediately think about. And some of these risks don't just start when the baby becomes mobile.
Over 80 per cent of all injuries to children under the age of two happen at home, warns the Professional Association of Paediatricians. But there are many things you can do to minimise these dangers. I would like to give you a few examples:
The Changing table
The baby is still so small! It can't even turn on its own yet, let alone crawl or crawl. Nothing can happen to him on the changing table, can it? Oh yes it can! Even tiny babies can move or stretch uncontrollably and change their position unexpectedly - and that's the end of the changing table. Falls from the changing table are still high on the list of accidents involving babies and toddlers, often with serious consequences.
So here is the most important rule for you: Always keep one hand on your child when they are on the changing table!
Leave your baby at all never lying alone on the changing table, even for a brief moment. The doorbell suddenly rings and you have to go to the front door? No problem: just put your child in their cot or on a blanket on the floor for a while. It's safe in both places.
Baby bouncer and high chair
Such reclining or sitting seats allow your child to be with you wherever you are. But make sure that the respective models are stable and cannot tip over! Before making a purchase, many parents compare the offers in test reports. Which models are ahead in terms of safety and which are also considered to be low in emissions? Test reports provide good orientation here, even for second-hand products. However, new models of decent quality are now also available at a moderate price.
Fasten your child in the bouncer every time when you put it in. Even for the briefest of moments! This is because it can cause the seesaw to swing with its own movements, but can quickly lose its position and fall out.
It is also important that you do not place the bouncer with child on raised surfaces. If it is placed on a kitchen table, for example, it could slip and fall to the floor with the baby due to the child kicking happily.
If your child is old enough for the highchair, it must have secure straps or bars. They prevent little explorers from climbing out or sliding down. And always remember: never leave your child unattended in a highchair.
Hot things
If you have your baby in your arms or on your lap, you should not drink anything hot. This is because the little one could suddenly make unexpected movements or you could accidentally spill - and your child could be scalded.
Hot drinks or meals should also not be placed on the dining or coffee table within reach of small children's hands. You may not be able to see as quickly as curious babies have knocked over (or trampled over) such things.
When the little ones start to pull themselves up on the furniture, they also like to reach for the hanging corner of a tablecloth - with potentially disastrous consequences. If you decorate your tables with pretty fabrics, it's better to switch to table runners that don't hang down anywhere.
A quickly installed cooker guard helps to protect against the dangers of hot hobs and bubbling saucepans.
Stairs, windows, balconies Make it childproof
When your child starts to become mobile, stairs are a welcome challenge. They will enthusiastically practise climbing up step by step. To prevent bad falls - especially downwards - a stair gate can help.
Windows and balconies also sometimes have a magical attraction for toddlers who are becoming more mobile. And the little ones can develop very clever ideas to find out what there is to see. To do this, they use all kinds of (furnishing) objects as aids that are suitable for climbing on or pulling up. So keep a close eye on your little one. Because curiosity combined with creativity is wonderful - but can also be dangerous for the child.
Water
Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in children under the age of three. It is a silent death. No shouting, crying or screaming prevents the tragedy from taking its course unnoticed.
Leave your child near water so never unsupervised. Not even near or in puddles. If a small child lies with its face in the water, a shallow puddle is enough to cause it to drown. This is because a reflex kicks in that makes breathing impossible. The resulting lack of oxygen can lead to death within a very short time.
Staying close to your child at all times applies to deeper waters. This doesn't just mean the shore of a leisure lake or the sea, but also the bathtub or paddling pool at home. And don't forget the garden pond. If you have one, make sure that it is childproof - i.e. that it has a special cover or an adequate fence. Or fill it in completely and turn it into a sandpit!
Don't forget to cover the rain barrel securely too.
Toxic
It goes without saying that "classic hazards" such as cleaning products or medicines should never be allowed to get into children's hands. So always keep them out of reach! This also applies to tobacco products, their substitutes and cigarette butts. Take them away from the table and any other place that the child can somehow reach (even with a "climbing aid"). The neurotoxin nicotine puts the youngest children in mortal danger if they suck on it or even swallow it.
Take a look at your windowsill. If there are poisonous plants there, such as monocots or kalanchoe, it is better to give them away or dispose of them. Also look out for poisonous plants outside that could be dangerous for your child. If you are not so familiar with botany, you can easily find out what kind of greenery you are dealing with on the internet.
I also recommend that parents save the number of the poison centre in their phone. It varies from region to region.
Suffocation
Babies mainly explore objects with their mouths. They lick, suck or suckle on them - and in no time at all a small object is swallowed or becomes detached and is swallowed. The following rule will therefore keep you on the safe side: Anything smaller than a table tennis ball should be kept away from the child. Also pay attention to objects such as toys, fairy lights etc. that contain button cell batteries. If such a battery gets into the child's mouth, it can severely corrode the mucous membranes within a very short time, even if it is not swallowed.
Bands, chains, cables and similar items lying around can quickly become life-threatening for your child: They can strangle themselves with them. This also applies to chains and jewellery that you might want to put on your child.
Nests, cuddly toys and blankets in your baby's bed can also block the supply of oxygen. You can find out more about a safe sleeping environment for your child here.
Miscellaneous
The trade offers a whole range of safety options for corners and edges that are too sharp, drawers and cupboard doors. Sockets should also be secured at all costs.
Sharp or dangerous objects such as knives, scissors, needles and knitting needles etc. should also be kept out of the reach of children.
Shelves and cupboards that could tip over are best fixed to the wall now if they haven't already been. This is particularly important when the little ones start to pull themselves up on the furniture.
Last but not least
Of course, you won't be able to prevent all bumps, scratches and similar minor injuries to your child. It also doesn't make sense to wrap your little one in cotton wool too much. After all, "mini accidents" are part of growing up, learning to walk and exploring the world. Then your child needs your calm closeness and a little comfort. Your child will immediately be able to tell from your appropriate reaction how "bad" it is and whether it will soon be okay again.
But if you avoidable and above all dangerous risks, that's a big piece of security for all of you.
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