Preventing Tip-Over Deaths and Injuries

The recent death of a 13 month old Fairfax County boy, is just another example of the often overlooked danger of tip-overs. The CPSC has found that deaths and injuries due to falling furniture and TVs are on the rise and that on average, one child dies every two weeks from falling TVs, furniture, and appliances. This is a safety concern for kids of all ages. I urge parents to follow these simple, yet important, safety tips to avoid this tragedy which has become all too common.

• Anchor all furniture, especially TV stands, dressers, bookstands, and entertainment units, to the wall or floor.
• Place TVs on low, sturdy stands. Avoid placing TVs on flimsy shelves or dressers.
• Keep dressers and TV stands empty of attractive items which could encourage a child to climb furniture to gain access.
• Free-standing ranges and stoves tip easily and should be installed with anti-tip brackets.
• Consider latching dresser drawers which when open can be used as a ladder for a child climb.
• Push TVs as far back on the stand as possible.
• Consider mounting your TV or purchase a strap to anchor your TV to the wall or the back of a sturdy stand. Adhesive TV strapping options are also available and can be very effective if used properly.  

Toddlers and Electrical Safety

May has been designated as Electrical Safety Month so here at Safe Start Baby we thought we’d offer some tips on how you can help protect your children from injuries and accidents caused by electric hazards. To avoid shocks, burns and other injuries from electrics, parents should adopt a few habits concerning the use of electrical equipment as well as introducing some essential electrical safety products.

Always use electrical socket covers

Power outlets or plug sockets are probably one of the most dangerous spots for toddlers of all ages. Make child safety your priority by installing socket covers to each power outlet you have in your home. Alternatively, you can install sliding switch plate covers, which snap shut for automatic protection. Safe Start Baby offers a sliding switch plate cover that prevents access to outlets and comes with a special energy-efficient, insulating seal. Just insert a plug and slide to the right. As soon as you remove the plug, the special cover snaps shut to protect little fingers from the outlet.

Keep electric cords and appliances out of their reach

When it comes to kids and electrical safety, most parents forget the importance of hiding cables, cords, and electrical appliances. Since infants start exploring the world by chewing or licking things, they will automatically chew things they were able to grab. Wire covers are a great baby-proofing tool that prevent little fingers from accessing wires.

Do not use extension cords

Extension cords present a huge hidden danger when it comes to electrical safety and kids. Using extension cords for long periods of time can lead to sudden surges of power and other electric hazards. If ever you really need to string some extension cords together, just make sure that you are not exceeding their specific amperage capabilities.

Electrical appliance safety

Children are endlessly fascinated with opening fridge doors or playing with the knobs and switches on electrical equipment. Always supervise your infants when they are close to electrics and fit safety devices that will help to prevent them getting access to or putting fingers into electrical appliances.

For the kitchen, use a refrigerator latch that fits to the side of your fridge/freezer to prevent your toddler from opening the door.