Poisonous substances and cleaning materials:
Danger: Poisoning and burns
Prevention:
- Lock all potentially poisonous substances out of reach and out of sight of your child.
- Buy products with childproof packaging.
- Never store non-food products in empty food containers (eg paraffin in a jam jar).
- Install child locks on cupboards.
- Move chemicals out of reach if you are called away in the middle of using them.
Kettle:
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Keep kettles and similar appliances (including cords) far back on working surfaces so that they cannot be pulled down.
- Shorten the cord.
- Don't fill the kettle with more water than you need - it will make pouring boiling water easier.
Danger: Shock
Prevention:
- Always make sure that electrical appliances are correctly installed and safely earthed.
Toaster:
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Shorten the cord.
- Keep toasters and similar appliances (including cords) far back on working surfaces so that they cannot be pulled down.
Food processor:
Danger: Cuts
Prevention:
- Store the blade separately and out of reach.
Iron:
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Keep iron out of reach of children.
- Shorten the cord.
- Pack away when not in use (even if the iron is cool, a child can be hurt if the iron falls on top of him).
Plastic bags:
Danger: Choking or suffocation
Prevention:
- Store plastic bags out of reach of children.
- Tie a knot in the bag for safety.
- Teach children never to put plastic bags over their heads.
Stove:
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Keep your child at a safe distance while you cook.
- Always use the back rings on the stove and turn pan handles away from the front of the stove.
- Keep young children away from the front of ovens or better still put up a protective barrier or grid in front of the stove.
- Don’t open the oven door when children are close by.
Drawers: Knives and other sharp objects:
Danger: Cuts
Prevention:
- Store knives and other sharp objects out of reach.
Hot drinks:
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Never drink hot tea or coffee with a young baby or child on your lap.
- Make sure your child can't reach your hot coffee or tea and keep tea and coffee pots out of reach.
Fridge:
Danger: Poisoning
Prevention:
- Certain items stored in a fridge can be dangerous to children (e.g. alcohol, medicine). Lock your fridge.
Washing machine
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Supervise children when washing machine is in use.
High chair
Danger: Falls
Prevention:
- Use a high chair with a full shoulder harness.
Dishwasher
Danger: Poisoning
Prevention:
- Only add detergent just before you want to use the dishwasher. Make sure it is empty when you are finished.
Danger: Cuts
Prevention:
- Pack knives and forks upside down in the cutlery tray.
- Always keep the door closed – even when not in use.
Microwave
Danger: Burns
Prevention:
- Mix food well after cooking.
- Allow liquids to cool down for a few minutes.