A paediatrician has shared essential safety advice for parents to keep their children safe at home. Dr Niky, who is also known as Nika, resides with her husband, Pete, and their three children ages two, four, and six. Dr Niky emphasises the importance of making small, practical changes in the home environment to prevent potential accidents. She has witnessed numerous preventable accidents, such as burns from hot substances, choking hazards, and furniture tip-overs, in her line of work.
Being a paediatrician, Dr Niky has a heightened awareness of safety risks and dangers that can be present in a household. She stresses the significance of safety measures such as turning pot handles away when cooking, storing hot items out of reach of children, and cutting food into safe shapes for young children. These simple adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and accidents in the home, according to Dr Niky.
Safety precautions recommended by Dr Niky extend beyond the kitchen. She advocates for the importance of checking smoke alarms regularly, closing bedroom doors while sleeping to slow the spread of fire and toxic smoke, and keeping fire hazards like matches and lighters out of reach of children. She also emphasises maintaining a safe distance between heaters and flammable items, as well as having necessary fire safety equipment like fire blankets and extinguishers readily accessible.
The kitchen is highlighted as a high-risk area for accidents, especially for children. Dr Niky advises never leaving cooking unattended, keeping children away from the stove, and using safe cooking practices to prevent burns and spills. She also points out common choking hazards in food and stresses the importance of cutting food into appropriate sizes to prevent choking incidents, especially in toddlers and young children.
Dr Niky also involves her children in learning about safety measures from a young age. By teaching them how to identify and mitigate risks in the household, she empowers her children to be aware of safety hazards independently. Encouraging children to understand and practise safety measures not only creates a secure home environment but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and awareness in children.
While safety is a top priority for Dr Niky, she acknowledges that it is essential not to instil fear in children or overly restrict their activities. Instead, she advocates for thoughtful adjustments in the home environment that can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Dr Niky’s approach aims to strike a balance between fostering a safe environment and allowing children the freedom to explore and learn within a secure setting.
Dr Niky’s insights serve as a valuable resource for parents looking to enhance safety measures in their homes. By implementing practical changes and encouraging safety awareness from a young age, families can create a secure and nurturing environment for children to thrive. Dr Niky’s experience as a paediatrician underscores the importance of proactively addressing safety concerns to prevent accidents and injuries within the home.
In conclusion, Dr Niky’s safety rules offer a holistic approach to safeguarding children in the home, covering various aspects from kitchen safety to fire prevention. By following her advice and making simple yet effective adjustments, parents can significantly reduce the risks posed by common household hazards. Dr Niky’s expert insights provide a blueprint for creating a safe and secure environment where children can grow and explore with confidence.