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Child proofing the home

Small children like to go exploring in the house. They move quickly, climb on everything and put most things in their mouths. Here are our tips for those who want to be precautionary.

Small child lying on his stomach on the floor under a table.
Photo: Johnér

Remove loose parts

Small children put everything in their mouths. They feel, eat and bite on things. Screws or other small parts on beds, prams, walkers and the like must therefore be impossible for the child to loosen. If the child puts such a part in the mouth, it can in the worst case suffocate.

Beware of hazardous substances

Colorful bottles and cans of detergents, posture chemicals, medicines, and other dangerous contents look exciting to little ones on a journey of discovery. Make sure to store these things out of reach, preferably high up in a cupboard or behind a lock.

Protect sharp corners

Small children are constantly moving, but are also prone to losing their balance and falling. Therefore, it is important to avoid sharp edges and corners on furniture and the like when you have small children. Make sharp corners more child-friendly by attaching rounded corners in plastic or rubber. You can buy such corner protectors in the ceiling where they sell children's equipment. Here you can also get gates of various types, which should be placed where small children will not travel, for example when climbing stairs.

Avoid burns

There are also different types of gates that can be placed in front of stoves/fireplaces, to prevent small children from getting burned on them. Also make sure when cooking, that handles on pots and pans are facing inwards and cannot be reached by small hands.

Beware of openings

For all infant and toddler equipment, it is especially important to be aware of gaps where children can get caught and suffocate. Openings must be large enough for the entire child to pass through, i.e. larger than the head circumference. Otherwise, the openings must be so small that the child is stopped at chest height if it slips through legs first. If a gap is so large that the child can get its head through, it must also be able to get its head back. Therefore, it is important to avoid V-shaped openings where the child can get stuck.

Remove knobs and strings

In children's rooms and children's equipment, there should be no knobs or parts sticking out, gaps or holes where clothes or cords can get stuck. This poses a risk of suffocation.

Children's clothing and equipment should not have long leashes or strings that the child can get hold of. If the cords are over 22 centimeters long, the child can get these around the neck and suffocate. Cords with loops should be smaller than the circumference of the child's head.

Plastic bags and plastic packaging must be kept out of the reach of small children. The plastic can settle over the nose and mouth so that the child cannot breathe.

Avoid the risk of pinching

Because children have to touch everything and feel everything, they easily get squeezed on moving parts, e.g. on beds, playpens, etc. This is avoided by installing the equipment correctly and locking properly. It is important that such equipment cannot be unlocked by children who are outside the bed or playpen.

Follow the instructions

All information such as user manuals, maintenance and installation instructions must be in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. This information must include the name of the manufacturer and, if applicable, the importer. The information must be read and followed. Some infant and toddler equipment comes with a toy or you can buy a toy outside and mount it. This toy must satisfy the safety requirements for toys. It does not help if the equipment is safe if it is not used as intended. The adults who supervise the child must monitor this happening.