outside

We’re up to bath-time now...you know that you should never leave a baby alone in a bath because it’s possible for babies to drown in a few centimeters of water; but how many of you have been tempted to go and grab the phone when it rings? My advice to you is to let it ring! And remember when you’re filling the bath to put cold water in before the hot to prevent severe scalding in case baby climbs in before it’s ready.
    Moving on to electrical dangers...first of all, power points. These have a fascination for toddlers and they’ll shove things into the holes like hairpins, nails, screwdrivers--you name it. Points should always be fitted with protective plugs to prevent this. Teach children to respect all electrical appliances—because they are all potential hazards.
    Do I need to mention cigarettes? Unfortunately, I still see parents smoking in spaces where their children have to inhale the cigarette smoke—we all know the dangers of second-hand smoke...But even leaving a packet of cigarettes within reach is dangerous because eating just one cigarette may poison a small child. If quitting the habit is too difficult, please ensure all tobacco products are kept out of reach and smoke outside.
    Lastly, given our cold winters, I need to warn you about heating systems. Open fires and heaters must be covered by protective devices. Even radiators and other sources of heat—which are attractive to children—can cause a nasty burn on sensitive young skin. Remember, there is never a good time to leave infants by themselves in a room where there is an unprotected source of heat.