The early years of parenting are often the most challenging because parents need to go the extra mile with childcare and keeping their children safe. The smallest things may be unsafe for little ones, posing risks of health issues and injuries.
Did you know that millions of parents have toddler aged children in their families? According to Statista, there were nearly 22.4 children in the age group of 1-5 years as of 2022. The age group of 6-12 years comprised 24.2 million children, and 25.8 million children were aged 12-17 years during the same time.
Although the toddler group is the smallest, the responsibility of looking after these children is the most burdensome when it comes to risks around the home. Raising a toddler in a healthy living space is a huge responsibility. It is crucial for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. A safe and nurturing space protects children from immediate hazards and keeps them healthy in the long run.
In this article, we will share some actionable advice for parents and caregivers to create a healthy living space for toddlers.
Keep an Eye on Air Quality
Did you know that the average American stays indoors for 90% of the time? The bigger concern is that the pollution levels indoors can often be 2-5 times the outdoor levels...unbelievable isn't it? This statistic came as a shock to me personally. The levels of indoor pollutants have consistently increased over the years, notes the Environmental Protection Agency. Just imagine what these contaminants can do to the fragile respiratory system of a toddler.
Dampness, mold, or inadequate ventilation can worsen the air quality within homes. Children living in substandard housing in particular are at an even higher risk due to factors such as overcrowding and poor maintenance. As a parent, it is so important to take some effective measures to address the air quality issues in your living space. But how?
Try to improve ventilation and address damp conditions to reduce exposure to pollutants. Open windows for fresh air, especially after showering or cooking. Also, keep an eye on mold, fix leaks promptly, and use a dehumidifier in humid areas. Finding the optimal temperature or the 'dew point' is key when heating the home to prevent condensation.
Prioritise Clean Drinking Water
Like poor air quality, contamination of domestic water supply is a widespread issue in the US. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination being the biggest concern. According to the US Geological Survey, at least 45% of tap water in the country contains PFAS. Studies have found that 97% of Americans have these forever chemicals in their body fluids.
Prolonged exposure can elevate the risk of childhood development problems, fertility issues, and cancer. The ongoing firefighter foam lawsuit indicates the gravity of the risk, bringing to light the suffering of countless victims. They have filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of foam containing PFAS.
TorHoerman Law notes that the lawsuit extends beyond individual cases. Shockingly, PFAS have also leaked into the water supplies of areas near military bases, manufacturing facilities, and airports. The contamination risk is everywhere, as cited by the surveys, leaving families and their young children at huge risk.
Providing clean drinking water is essential for your toddler’s health. Testing your tap water for harmful contaminants is the first step to ensuring clean driving water. You can install filters and advocate for water remediation at the community level to address the issue.
Keep an Eye on Household Chemicals
Household chemicals are everywhere in American homes, from plastic containers to toys, cleaning products, and personal care items. A study revealed that 5000 tons of toxic chemicals were released from consumer products in California alone in 2020. Exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer, infertility, and birth defects.
Toddlers can face health hazards due to their curiosity and tendency to put objects in their mouths. Accidental poisoning is a leading hazard in homes. All known toxins should be kept out of sight and reach. Also, store products in their original containers with clear labels. Always supervise children when using cleaning products.
Alongside being careful about known chemical hazards, you should also dig deep into unknown toxins. For example, avoid toys and containers made of harmful plastic and opt for safer alternatives like wood and steel. Steer clear of Teflon-coated utensils as they have PFAS in them.
Minimize the Risk of Falls
Besides exposure-related hazards, toddlers are also prone to accidental falls. According to government data, falls are the most widely prevalent cause of injuries among children in the 0-19 age group. Almost 2.8 million children land in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries each year. Among these, 1.2 million are less than five years old.
Accidental falls at home may occur from furniture, stairs, or windows. Preventing such accidents is a must to create a healthy living environment for toddlers. However, it requires careful childproofing of your space.
For example, you must install window stops and keep furniture away from windows. Also, install hardware-mounted gates at the top of stairs and pressure-mounted gates at the bottom. Securing heavy furniture to walls is a practical way to prevent tip-overs.
FAQs
How can children be safe at home?
Children can be safe at home by implementing safety measures such as childproofing the accident-prone areas. You must also secure hazardous materials, and maintain supervision at all times. Regular checks for potential hazards and educating growing children about safety are also crucial.
What are the hazards for toddlers at home?
If you have a toddler, your home may be full of hazards that may harm their health and safety. Common hazards include poor air quality, contaminated water, and accidental poisoning from household chemicals. Young children may also sustain falls from furniture or stairs and burns from hot surfaces. Airway obstruction from choking or suffocation is also possible.
How to minimize toxin exposure for your child?
Minimizing toxin exposure is about being aware of the potential culprits and taking measures to keep them at bay. For example, you must control house dust, use green cleaning products, avoid certain plastics, and choose low-mercury fish. Safe indoor air and clean water are also essential.
Creating a healthy living space for toddlers requires planning and execution of some practical measures. While these may seem like a considerable effort, it is worthwhile to keep your little ones safe and healthy. Be aware of the potential threats and tackle them proactively before something goes wrong.
