Whenever we come across the phrase “childproofing,” we typically consider methods to secure our houses against accidents for infants and young children, such as setting up safety barriers and plugging unused electric sockets. However, it’s equally crucial to ensure that our children’s spaces remain hazard-free as they grow into older kids.
“We often focus on safety tips for children aged 3 and younger, however, it’s crucial to keep in mind that many injuries tend to occur more regularly as children become increasingly mobile,” he mentioned.
Dr. Anita Patel
, a critical care specialist working at Children’s National Hospital.
The house is among the top locations where children frequently get hurt and subsequently wind up in the emergency room — moreover, many of these accidents can be avoided, as noted.
Dr. Brad Sobolewski
, an emergency medicine doctor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Safety within the house is essential since accidents can occur rapidly, and this is typically where children spend majority of their day,” he stated. “Minor modifications can significantly help in avoiding an unwanted visit to the emergency room.
We talked to Patel and Sobolewski about unexpected items they would never allow in kids’ rooms, why they can be harmful and what to use instead.
1. Unguarded Dressers, Bookcases, and Mirrors
“O
“One of the most frightening and indeed heartbreaking injuries children can suffer occurs when an unsecured chest of drawers or bookshelf topples onto a small child,” Patel stated.
The
Consumer Product Safety Commission
According to reports from 2023, approximately 6,400 children per year sustained injuries severe enough to require treatment in emergency departments due to furniture tipping over.
“Dressers, bookshelves, and similar objects that kids might attempt to scale should be … anchored to the wall, preferably into studs or using drywall anchors along with the supplied hardware,” advised Sobolewski.
Patel mentioned that free-standing mirrors are similarly prone to toppling over and ought to be secured to the walls.
At what age can children safely secure furniture and mirrors?
Patel suggests securing large pieces of furniture when children are around. When dealing with smaller objects, such as a freestanding mirror, she takes into account two aspects:
1) Should the mirror fall, could it harm the child? 2) Is the child capable of escaping unaided?
I’m reluctant to specify ages because children vary widely in their level of activity and developmental progress,” she noted. “However, speaking for myself, I wouldn’t remove a freestanding mirror until the child reaches early adolescence.
2. Toy Boxes Featuring Weighty Covers
Although a toy box might appear as an ideal solution for keeping plush toys, building blocks, and various playthings organized, some designs can pose hazards.
“Toy chests may seem innocent, but those with heavy, hinged lids can fall unexpectedly, injuring children’s fingers or heads,” Sobolewski explained. “Children can also trap themselves inside, risking suffocation if they become stuck.”
Instead, the
CPSC
recommends opting for toy chests or bins equipped with sliding doors, lightweight detachable tops, or no covers whatsoever. Should parents possess a chest featuring a cumbersome top, it would be advisable to take off this cover. Alternatively, installing a lid support mechanism can ensure the lid stays open.
3. Long, Loose Cords
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“A sorrowful and often unintentional injury can be strangulation from window blinds,” Patel stated. “That’s why we took away all corded window blinds [from our child’s bedroom] or made sure the cords were placed out of reach.”
Every year, many children lose their lives due to window coverings with cords, and such accidents typically involve kids up to 8 years old, as reported by the
CPSC
When buying window treatments, search for the term “cordless” in the item details.
Sobolewski recommended steering clear of lengthy electric cables as well, since a child could get tangled up in them, potentially causing harm.
“He suggested arranging furniture and electronic devices close to power outlets to avoid stretching cables throughout the room. If lengthy wires are inevitable, think about utilizing cable organizers or covers instead.”
He suggested opting for cordless or battery-powered alternatives instead.
4. Bunk Beds
Loft beds save space and can add an element of fun whether your child shares a bedroom or hosting sleepovers.
“[But]
Bunk beds lead to numerous injuries from falls,” Sobolewski stated. “The rails might not stop these accidents, and using the ladder can pose risks as well.
The
American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests that children younger than 6 should avoid sleeping on the upper bunk. These young ones are particularly susceptible to falls, potentially leading to head injuries, as Sobolewski pointed out.
If you decide to use a bunk bed, position it in a corner of the room so that it has two adjacent walls for support. Additionally, fit guard rails on both sides of the upper bunk and put a nightlight close to the ladder, as recommended.
AAP and Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
.
5. Electric Heaters Or Space Heaters
These might seem appealing during the winter season but they come with a risk of fire, particularly in a child’s bedroom,” Sobolewski explained. “Kids could inadvertently put combustible materials such as blankets close to the heater, which can result in burns or potentially cause a fire.
Approximately 4,000 fatalities and 20,000 admissions to hospitals happen annually due to fires and burns, as stated by reports.
AAP
.
Winter poses particular risks due to appliances such as space heaters.
Children younger than 6 years old have a higher tendency to tip over items such as space heaters, yet those who are slightly older might still lack the knowledge required for using these devices safely, according to Sobolewski.
“Rather than using space heaters, it’s advised to opt for additional blankets, well-layered bedding, or sleep sacks to maintain warmth in children,” he clarified.
You might consider enhancing the insulation in the area and installing a centralized heating system to minimize the chances of fires and burns.
6. Floor Lamps
When you need more lighting in a room, a floor lamp is a common fix. However, these can be risky in a kid’s bedroom.
These can tip over quite readily, particularly when children are dashing about or scaling things,” Sobolewski stated. “Furthermore, uncovered light bulbs can become sufficiently heated to result in burns.
He recommended overhead lights, table lamps, or wall sconces as safer options provided they are properly secured. Additionally, cool-to-the-touch or LED bulbs can aid in preventing burns.
7. Weighted Blankets
Although they are gaining popularity for enhancing sleep quality and alleviating anxiety, weighted blankets,
Blankets may present a suffocation hazard for young children, particularly those under
According to Sobolewski, ‘The added weight may limit their mobility or impair their capability to properly adjust the blanket while sleeping.’
The
AAP
Additionally, they stressed the significance of avoiding weighted blankets, sleepers, swaddles, and other sleep items for babies. These can cause reduced oxygen levels and raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Actually,
several major retailers
recently announced they have stopped selling weighted infant sleep products altogether.
Make sure to frequently revisit your child’s room for updates.
“As children get older, the types of hazards change,” Sobolewski said. “It’s always a good idea for parents to keep revisiting safety measures as their children grow.”
He suggests maintaining uncluttered spaces in children’s rooms and involving older kids in discussions about safety to foster responsibility and awareness. Furthermore, make sure to periodically review announcements of recalled furniture and other products.
CPSC’s website
.
“By thinking ahead about safety and foreseeing potential risks, we can greatly decrease the likelihood of these typical household mishaps,” he stated.
