7 Things ER Pediatricians Would Never Let Kids Keep In Their Rooms
When we hear the term "childproofing," we often think of making our homes safe for babies and toddlers, like putting up baby gates and outlet covers. However, it's equally important to ensure their rooms continue to be safe as they grow older.
We regularly consider safety tips for children under the age of 3, but it's essential to remember that many injuries actually happen more often when your children become more mobile. Dr. Anita Patel Pediatric critical care specialist at Children’s National Hospital.
Homes are often the settings where children tend to get hurt, and subsequently need to be rushed to the emergency department - and, unfortunately, many of these injuries could have been prevented. Dr. Brad Sobolewski Pediatric emergency medicine physician at Cincinnati Children's.
Home safety is extremely crucial because accidents can occur rapidly, and it's also where kids spend most of their time," he said. "Making a few simple changes can greatly reduce the likelihood of needing emergency room treatment.
We spoke with Patel and Sobolewski about unexpected items they would never allow in kids' rooms, why those items can be hazardous, and what alternatives we should use instead.
1. Open, Unsecured, and Exposed Furniture and Decorations.
“O One of the most terrifying and downright devastating injuries children can experience is when a tall piece of furniture, such as a chest of drawers or bookshelf, falls on a young child.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission As reported in 2023, an average of approximately 6,400 child injuries were treated at the emergency department each year due to furniture tip-overs.
"Toddlers, and especially preschool-aged children, pack a surprising amount of strength. With this in mind, any furniture that a child might grasp or climb, such as dressers, shelves and other cabinetry, should be secured to the wall generally into studs, or else fitted with drywall anchors, using the hardware provided," Sobolewski stated.
He also mentioned that standing mirrors can easily become unstable and fall, therefore it's suggested to secure them by attaching wall brackets.
When can I safely unmount furniture and mirrors to prevent injury or damage?
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“Honestly, I don't like quoting specific ages because kids develop at different rates and have varying levels of activity and maturity,” she added. “But in my opinion, I wouldn't recommend removing [a standing mirror] until a child is around their early teens.”
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Although a toy chest may appear to be the ideal storage solution for stuffed animals, blocks, and other toys, some can be hazardous.
“Toys chests may appear harmless, but those with heavy, hinged lids can fall suddenly, causing injuries to a child's fingers or head," Sobolewski said. “Kids can also become confined inside and suffer from suffocation if they become trapped.”
Instead, the CPSC Using toy chests or bins with sliding doors can be helpful. Lightweight, foldable lids or no lids at all can also be an option. If you already have a heavy-lidded chest, consider removing the lid or installing a lid support to keep it open.
3. Long, Loose Cords
“ Injuries caused by window blinds are a rather sad and common accident. Patel stated, “Window blind strangulation is a major concern.” As a result, they've decided to either remove corded window blinds from their child's room or secure the cord so it's out of their reach.
Each year, a large number of children die as a result of entanglements with window cords, and cases like this can impact children up to the age of 8, according to CPSC When buying window treatments, look for the word "cordless" in the product description.
Sobolewski recommends you also steer clear of lengthy electrical cords to prevent the possibility of a child becoming entangled in them, which can lead to an injury.
“Position furniture and electronics near outlets so cords aren't stretched out across the room,” he said. “If long cords are unavoidable, consider using a cord shortener or cord cover.”
You can also try cordless or battery-powered devices as an alternative.
4. Bunk Beds
Bunk beds make the most of space and can be a blast when your kid is sharing a room, or when they have friends over for a sleepover.
“[But] Bunk beds are a common cause of injuries due to falls," Sobolewski said. "Guardrails alone may not always prevent falls, and climbing up and down ladders can also be hazardous.
The American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children under six years old not to sleep on the top bunk due to a higher risk of falling and sustaining head injuries.
To safely use a bunk bed, position it in the corner of the room so that it's surrounded by two walls, add protective side rails to the upper bunk, and install a nightlight near the ladder as recommended by the manufacturer. American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital .
5. Electric Heaters Or Space Heaters
These can be tempting during colder months, but pose a fire hazard, especially in a child's room," Sobolewski said. "Kids may accidentally put flammable items, such as blankets, near the heater, which can cause burns or fires.
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Kids under the age of 6 are more likely to knock over objects like a space heater, but even older kids may not know how to safely use the device, Sobolewski said.
He recommends using extra blankets, properly layered bedding, or sleep sacks to keep children warm, rather than space heaters.
You can also consider upgrading insulation in the room and installing a central heating system to minimize the risk of fires and burns.
6. Floor Lamps
When you need extra light in a room, a floor lamp is a common solution. However, these can be hazardous in a child's bedroom.
“Children can easily knock these over, especially if they're running or climbing around,” Sobolewski said. “Exposed light bulbs can get so hot they can cause burns.”
He suggested that using overhead lighting, desk lamps, or wall-mounted lamps that are securely fastened can provide safer options. In addition, utilizing cool-to-touch or LED light bulbs can also minimize the risk of burns.
7. Weighted Blankets
“While they're becoming more popular for improving sleep and helping with anxiety, weighted blankets can also relieve pain, especially for people with fibromyalgia.” Blankets can pose a suffocation risk for younger kids, especially those under "The weight constraint can hinder their movement or prevent them from adjusting the blanket safely during sleep," Sobolewski said.
The AAP The baby blanket question can put babies' lives at risk. It's also a concern that certain sleep items specifically manufactured for babies may be hazardous to them. These sleep aids, such as sleepers and swaddles, can reduce the amount of oxygen flowing to babies, meaning that they are at a higher risk for a heartbreaking condition like SIDS. several major retailers Recently, they've announced that they have completely stopped selling sleep products for infants that are weighted.
Do not forget to frequently inspect your child's bedroom.
As kids get older, the kinds of dangers they face shift," Sobolewski said. "It's always a good idea for parents to keep reviewing safety precautions as their children grow.
He also suggests keeping kids' rooms organized and tidy, and involving older kids in conversations about safety so they feel responsible and aware. Furthermore, you can regularly check for product recalls, such as those for furniture and other items, CPSC’s website .
"Thinking ahead to possible dangers and being prepared can greatly lower the risk of these typical household accidents," he stated.
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