As parents, we all want to keep our kids safe.
That is literally our most important job, and something all of us no doubt think about a lot. We hold our children’s hands in traffic, we baby proof sharp table edges and put up safety gates in front of stairs. No going on a bike without a helmet and no running with lollipops in their mouths.
However, according to statistics, when it comes to children and accidents, by far the vast majority of incidents (over 60 percent) that land children in emergency rooms happen at home. And these accidents primarily affect children under the age of five.
And speaking of keeping kids safe and avoiding accidents – did you know some rooms in the house are considered more dangerous for children than others? Recently, a mum and paediatrican took to social media to share four crucial tips for keeping young children safe at home – and honestly, all parents could do with these reminders, because accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Taking to Instagram, Julia Ray, who is a doctor and mum-of-four herself, said keeping kids safe at home often comes down to a few simple habits – and to her, having seen all too well how many accidents are caused by these very thing – these have become second nature.
Habits that keep kids safe
In the caption, Ray writes:
‘After 20 years in pediatrics, these habits are second nature to me — Because of what I have seen in practice. And most if these accidents are completely preventable. Let me tell you what keeps me up at night (and what I’ve drilled into my own four kids).’
As for her four habits that will make our homes more safe for our kids?
1. Cutting round foods
‘Grapes, hot dogs, and cherry tomatoes are the exact shape that can block a child’s airway—cut them lengthwise, every time. I’ve seen too many close calls. The fix? ALWAYS cut them lengthwise into quarters. It takes 5 extra seconds. Those 5 seconds matter.’
2. Pan handles
‘This one hits different when you’re juggling dinner with kids underfoot. A toddler’s reach is longer than you think, and their curiosity is faster than your reflexes. Handles always face inward. No exceptions.’
3. Hot mugs
‘Coffee and tea burns are among the most common injuries I treat—and they’re devastating. The skin on a child’s hand is thinner than ours, which means deeper burns from the same temperature. Keep your morning coffee at the back of the counter, always. Even when you’re exhausted (especially then).’
4. Medications
‘This is non-negotiable. NEVER leave bottles open or accessible, even for “just a second.” Kids are fast, curious, and they think those colorful pills look like candy. Close the bottle. Put it away. Every single time.’
Dr Ray adds:
‘Here’s the truth: I don’t follow these rules because I’m a pediatrician. I follow them because I’m a mom who has seen what happens when we don’t. Small changes in your daily routine can prevent a lifetime of regret. As someone raising four very different kids — I know that parenting is already hard enough. Let’s not make it harder by skipping the simple stuff that actually works,’
The paediatrician is right, of course. It can be easy to just focus on things like child proofing and car safety, but sometimes it really is the small, everyday habits that we might not think about, but that will make all the difference when it comes to keeping our children safe.
