With shorter days and colder weather, you and the children are probably spending more time inside the house. While your home may already be “child proofed,” there are plenty of things you and your au pair should be aware of, especially with small children. Keep in mind, and share with your au pair, these safety tips for around the home.
Toys
- Children are curious; many small children put everything into their mouths. Be sure no small objects are within the child’s reach
- Store the toys that belong to older children out of reach of babies and toddlers
- Check toys periodically for broken parts and potential hazards. A dangerous toy should be repaired immediately or thrown away
- Check with parents before you buy a child a toy that requires close supervision – electrically operated toys, shooting toys and games, chemistry sets, and the like. Remember, too, that younger children may have access to toys intended for older children once the toy has been brought into the home.
Household Items
- Stay alert while using household products that are potentially poisonous. Many poisonings occur while adults are using a household product like a bathroom cleaner or bleach. Adults should know where children are when these products are in use. Never leave a child alone in a room with a poisonous product.
- Be sure that laundry soap and other cleaners are out of reach of the children.
- Many cosmetic items and toiletries, such as mouthwash, perfume, nail polish, and hair spray, can be poisonous. Keep them out of children’s reach.
- Don’t leave any medicines in reach of children, not even vitamins.
- Keep scissors and knives out of reach.
- Plastic bags, long cords and very soft pillows can be dangerous to children.
Alarm Systems
- If there is an alarm system for the house, be sure that the au pair is listed with the alarm company as a legitimate user of the alarm. Also, the au pair must know the appropriate security code in case of a false alarm.
Our website has lots of useful information about toy safety, car safety, internet safety and more. For more, visit the Safety Tips section of our website.
