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Child Proofing The Bathroom

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When we think about child safety in the home we think about the stairs, concrete floors, electrical outlets, and breakable objects. In fact, when it comes to child safety, the home can have many areas of risk. But one place many parents ignore is the bathroom.

The bathroom can be a dangerous place for young children. You might be thinking about risks like drowning in an unsupervised bathtub filled with water or being exposed to scalding hot water, but the biggest concern may be the medicine cabinet.

If you have young children, you need to have medication with child-safe caps and the medicine cabinet should be secured with a latch.

There are other concerns. For instance, mouthwash can contain alcohol. Yes, there are small amounts, but it still could be dangerous for children. Keep mouthwash away from a child's reach. Another problem is many people store toilet cleaners, ammonia, and dangerous solvents. They can also be a great risk.

The important thing is you have to look at these risks and you need to take them seriously. I really believe it's something you can do well if you just think about it in the first place.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor

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