The British Cleaning Institute (BCI) recently joined the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) in their observance of Baby Safety Month. This month-long observance is geared toward increasing awareness of safety issues that may affect your little baby’s. It is important that you ensure every room in your household is safe around young children including places that often go overlooked, such as washing machines in a utility room. Babies are curious, so getting a washing machine child guard is a must. Especially if they are at such a very young age, as they tend to get into things that they shouldn’t. In honour of Baby Safety Month, we’re sharing a number of easy steps that can help keep your inquisitive youngsters safe from the potential dangers hidden in the utility room.

Step 1: Safely store all household cleaning products.

Household cleaners contain substances that can be harmful if swallowed. To prevent accidents involving these products, it’s important to always store these items safely up and out of reach of children. That same caution needs to be applied to liquid laundry packets. According to a recent national survey conducted by BCI, 61% of parents and caregivers are storing laundry packets in-sight or in-reach of children. Laundry packets contain highly-concentrated detergent and can cause injury if exposed to the eyes or if swallowed. Make sure these products are stored in a cabinet with a child safety lock to keep away curious little fingers. The safe storage, use and handling of all household cleaners are essential in preventing accidental exposures.

Step 2: Activate child lock on washer and dryer. The washer and dryer can be fascinating to young children, so it’s best to always close their doors so children won’t be tempted to play hide and seek in these appliances. There are times when it is necessary to air out the washer, so be vigilant about keeping children out of the laundry room while the door is open. When the washer and dryer aren’t in use, activate a child lock so kids can’t start the appliance.

Step 3: Look at the utility room through your child’s eyes. Get down low to discover first-hand what a small child might be attracted to in your laundry space. Unusually shaped objects, interesting noises-all these things could attract a baby’s curiosity. It’s important to move all cleaning products to high shelves, remove any choking hazards, wrap electrical cords and plug all outlets.