We want our childrenās spaces to be fun for them, but some items - including some that are designed for kids - can be dangerous. Insider talked to five pediatricians about the things to avoid to make the room safer. These are the top items they say they wouldnāt have in their own kidsā rooms.
- Toys with tiny pieces -Ā The biggest concern is toys with small parts that could be choking hazards. Not sure if something is dangerous? If it can fit through a toilet paper roll, itās a choking hazard.
- Super loud toysĀ - Toys that make sounds are great, but if theyāre too loud, they can actually cause hearing damage.Ā Dr. Nkeiruka Orajiaka, an ER pediatrician and a mother of three, suggests checking theĀ Noisy Toys List, a list of loud toys created by the Sight and Hearing Association.
- Unbracketed or unstable furnitureĀ - All five doctors said theyād make sure heavy furniture was secured to the wall so it canāt topple over.Ā Dr. Meghan Martin,Ā a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Childrenās Hospital and mom of four, advises using a bracket, wall strap or anchor for furniture, so if kids try to climb it, it wonāt tip over on them.
- A baby walkerĀ - Research shows they might not be safe and pediatricianĀ Dr. Syeda Amna HusainĀ warns that unsupervised babies could get to dangerous areas, like a staircase, a pool or a hot stove, in a walker.
- Heavy artwork and mirrorsĀ - These things could fall off the wall and hurt the child, or sharp corners could cause injuries.
- A toy chestĀ - The lid could close and crush tiny fingers, or if a kid climbs inside, they might struggle to get out.
- Window blinds with long cordsĀ - Those long strings are a strangulation risk, so in 2018, a new safety standard was set and blinds are required to be cordless or have inaccessible cords. But if you have any of the older ones, cutting them can help.
- Some plantsĀ - Before you bring a plant home, make sure itās nontoxic and safe for babies.
Source: INSIDER
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