9 ways you could be putting your child in danger without realizing it

Household injuries are the number one reason young children are brought to the ER each year.Taking extra precautions like bolting furniture to the wall or covering electrical sockets can save a childs life.Sharp and hazardous products should be kept far out of reach of children.Always keep a close watch on babies while in the bath.Putting your childs name on backpacks or other items that strangers can see, is dangerous. Back in 2002, Wisconsin mom, Nicci Walla was filming her children playing when she caught her 4-year-old son, Gavin, in trouble. He had gotten his neck tangled in the window blind cords and lost consciousness. Luckily, Nicci acted fast and Gavin survived. But not all of these types of stories have happy endings. We all think our children are,"smarter than that" or "would never play with that." Its usually not until an accident occurs that many parents realize the potential dangers that are around their homes. Household injuries are the main cause of ER visits from young children each year, so dont underestimate the importance of keeping your home as safe as possible. With a bit of childproofing, many of these accidents can be easily avoided. Here are nine mistakes parents may make that could pose a risk to children.Not bolting furniture to wallsThis may seem like an added nuisance, but it can save your childs life. Falling furniture and TVs accounted for more than 30,000 ER visits over a two-year period. Children under the age of 10 are especially at risk of having furniture or a TV topple over on them as they are most likely the ones to be climbing on things. So, although a watchful eye over a rambunctious child is important, ensure heavy objects never become a problem by bolstering them into the wall. Forgetting to block electrical socketsFor some reason, adults may never know, small children find electrical sockets fascinating. Maybe its the tiny holes that seem so inviting to their small fingers, or the fact that they can so easily stick toys into them. Regardless, open electrically sockets are a real hazard. All it takes is for a child to try poking around one with a metal fork and serious injury can occur. Always keep electrical sockets covered with plastic caps or child-proof boxes. Keeping knives or sharp objects out on the counterA stylish wooden knife block may seem like the perfect addition to your kitchen counter, but if you have small children you may want to reconsider. Kids under the age of three are curious creatures who will mimic your every move and grab a knife or scissor not realizing how sharp it actually is. Keeping these items in a childproof drawer is best. See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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