This article is sponsored by Michael & Son, the leading full-service plumbing, electrical, HVAC and remodeling company serving the Washington D.C. area for over 30 years. Learn more about Michael & Son at www.michaelandson.com.

Every new parent makes efforts to child-proof their home, with the most common safeguards being cabinet locks and socket covers. While these precautions are a great start, there are many items around the house that can still harm your baby or toddler. Let's take a closer look at some of the dangers as well as ways to avoid them.

Poison in Pots
There are good number of household plants that are poisonous to both children and your pets. Plants from the Cactus, Tomato and Poinsettia family are commonly considered safe for the home when in fact they are not. For a complete list of dangerous household plants, click here.

Don’t Tempt Them
Never use children’s food or juice containers to store harmful chemicals. There are a few dangerous chemicals that actually smell and taste sweet -- putting them in a child’s juice container is a recipe for disaster.

Wash and Toss
Always rinse out any empty container that once held a dangerous substance and immediately remove it from the home. You don’t want to risk a child using an empty bleach bottle as a toy.

Overlooked Items
Many cosmetics, over the counter medicines, vitamins and mothballs can be dangerous around young children. Make sure those products are always out of reach.

Whether you are already a parent or expecting to be soon, make sure to follow the tips above. Although a plant may tie a room together or a chemical works best of cleaning, if it’s a hazard it's better not to have it.

Contact Us