Apartments can be a great place for a child to grow up, but there is also their own set of dangers as well. If you have a child and live in an apartment, there are steps you can take to make your apartment safe for your child. Growing up will come with its fair share of trials and tribulations; you should do everything you can to decrease all unneeded risks. These tips will aid in making your apartment safe for your child.
Cords and Sockets
Apartments are managed by a maintenance crew or a landlord which means they are not always kept at your personal standards. If you occupy an older apartment building, the electrical sockets and wiring are a greater risk to children than a newer apartment building. Make sure all electrical outlets are covered and all cords safely secured. Inform your child not to touch any cords or electrical outlets.
Hazardous Areas
Windows and doors are risky for young children who are learning to walk and explore their surroundings. Extra caution should be taken into account with these areas to keep your child safe. If you live on an upper floor of an apartment building, check to see all your windows have childproof locks (if they are in the reach of children). Gates or bars over the windows can provide an additional level of protection. If you have a balcony, see for yourself that all the openings are sealed properly with either netting, gates, or wood. Remember that children like to try to climb on patio furniture, and this can be dangerous. Never leave children alone on the balcony under any circumstances.
Plants, Chemicals, and Medicine
Children put things in their mouths. Children tend to do this unknowingly and end up putting themselves in danger. While obvious hazards, such as medicine, should be kept out of reach in your apartment, there are other things toxic to children you might be unaware of and need to keep out of their reach. Some types of plants can be harmful when they are eaten; these include many common and popular house plants. Always know what plants are in your house and your apartment building to be mindful of potential harm to your children or pets. Chipping paint in your apartment building can be dangerous, especially if you live in an older apartment. Older paint contains lead, which is harmful, even more so if any of the paint chips get eaten by a young child. If you notice any chipping paint in your apartment, speak to your landlord or maintenance person immediately, even if you do not have children or a pet, you may end up saving someone else’s.
Don’t Talk to Strangers
Even if you have discussed stranger-danger with your child, this concept may be more difficult for children to grasp when you live in an apartment building. When you move into your apartment, introduce yourself with your child to the neighbors around your unit. This will help your child differentiate between who is a neighbor and who is a stranger. This serves a second purpose by letting your neighbors know you have a young child living with you. This will make your neighbors more likely to lookout for any potential dangers around your apartment, aiding you with this task. Also, make sure your child knows not to enter any apartment unit without your permission. Never allow your children to play unattended in any common areas of the apartment building.
