Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Whether you're flicking on the light for a 2 a.m. feeding, blow-drying your hair, or plugging in your baby monitor, you use electrical power all day long. Mundane to us, the world of plugs and cords is fascinating -- and fraught with danger -- for babies.

The primary "hot spots" every parent should be concerned about are electrical outlets, power cords, and appliances that could shock or burn children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using safety plugs on all electrical outlets within your baby's reach. Some children, however, can tug these right out, creating a choking hazard as well as danger of shock. One solution is to replace standard outlet covers within your baby's reach with covers that include sliding windows, which slide over outlet holes and keep tiny fingers out.

Electrical cords should be kept out of your child's reach. If he can, he might pull or chew on a cord, resulting in a shock or a nasty burn. Pulling on a cord could also bring a laptop or lamp crashing down on top of him. Keep cords out of sight or behind furniture, or use child-proofing devices that hide cords.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Kids USA, and other experts recommend that you keep appliances out of your child's reach and unplug them as soon as you're finished using them. It's a good idea to check all appliances for worn or frayed wires. In the kitchen, toasters, coffeemakers, and other appliances that could cause burns are of particular concern.

The bathroom is another high-caution zone. Hair dryers can cause burns, and -- along with any other electrical appliance -- become deadly if they fall into a sink or tub of water.

Space heaters also require extra caution. If a child pokes a finger or toy through the slats, he could be shocked or burned. For these reasons, space heaters and children shouldn't mix, and these units should be kept unplugged and turned off when not in use.

Here are a few more ways to help prevent accidents involving electricity at home:

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that is rated to handle grease and electrical fires. Make sure you know how to use it.
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and every floor of your house.
• Check heating systems and fireplaces at least once a year.
• Make sure the outlets in the kitchen and bathroom have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to safeguard against electric shock. Test them monthly.
• Never handle electrical items when you are wet.
• Use appliances and equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Only use extension cords temporarily.
• Disconnect electrical cords by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Don't let children under age 10 play with toys that require plugging in to an electrical outlet.
• Heed the following signs that your home's electrical wiring needs quick attention: dim or flickering lights; damaged wiring; sizzling or buzzing; hot wires or switch plates; even the slightest shock; fuses that blow frequently; or circuit breakers that need frequent resetting.