Tips For Keeping Your Home Healthy For Your Baby

You’ll already be aware that your baby should never be left unattended in the bath for fear of drowning, however hot water is also a major hazard. Babies who are exposed to water of 140 degrees Fahrenheit could be scalded in under 5 seconds. That means you should adjust your hot water thermostat. Set it to 120 degrees F and always make sure you’ve tested the water with your elbow, not your hand, before putting baby in.

Every year, over 4000 children go to ER because they’ve fallen out of their window. Installing window guards or stops is always wise on any upper-level window in your home. Also, take care to ensure there are no cords on the shades or blinds in your home that could pose a strangulation hazard to your little one.

Children are easily hurt in falls. One moment your child could be crawling along, the next, they could fall down the stairs. Toddlers often lose their balance, so helping to prevent unintentional injuries is paramount. Put a baby gate at the bottom and top of the staircase, put cushioning on the edges and corners of your fireplace and tables and remove any furniture which could easily topple if used for support.

If you live in an older property, there’s a good chance that there will be lead in the paint which is under the top coat of your windows and walls and in your floor varnish. If the lead dust becomes disturbed, the particles are toxic and put your little one at risk of learning and developmental problems. If you’re going to renovate your home, hire a certified contractor with experience in removing leaded material safely.

Around one out of every 15 properties has high radon levels. Radon is radioactive and is released if uranium is broken down naturally in water, rocks and soil. It is thought to be a primary cause of lung cancer however, since it can’t be smelled or seen, it’s impossible to know without testing if you’re exposed to it. Buy a home testing kit to check whether you’re likely to be affected.

Residential fires are a serious concern for any parent, but especially if they have children under the age of 5 since they can’t escape alone. You must install smoke alarms on each floor of your home (without forgetting the basement). You should also make sure there are smoke alarms in all the bedrooms. Don’t forget to test them every month to ensure they’re working. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in the home and a fire blanket in the kitchen.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is odourless and colorless and the symptoms it produces are very similar to flu. When the levels are high, it can have deadly results, especially in children. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home to protect your family and ensure that any fuel-burning appliance in your home has been regularly tested to ensure it works properly.

Ants, cockroaches and mice aren’t just annoying, they can affect your health. However, using pesticides can be just as dangerous. Instead of using chemicals, seal off any gaps in your walls and floors, weather-strip your doors and windows and make sure that no food is left out on kitchen surfaces.

Indoor pollutants can be dangerous for children’s health. Preventing anyone from smoking in your house is very important, however there are other contaminants in the air inside your home. Mold can also cause breathing difficulties, but it can be prevented by installing dehumidifiers which are the answer for good health in your home. Use an exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathroom and remove any furnishings or carpet which have been water-damaged.

Follow these tips and your little one will be safe and secure in the comfort of their own home.