Finding the hidden safety hazards in your home

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's time for spring cleaning around the house.

And it's also a good time to take stock of your home's safety.

Home should be the place to relax, play, and enjoy family time.

But every year, thousands of kids are hurt in accidents which could have been prevented.

Gina Duchossois , a safety expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, says the dangers depend on a child's age.

From birth to the age of 1, suffocation is a leading cause of accidental death, and the bedroom is a prime location.

She says babies should be put to sleep with no bumpers, toys, or covers in their cribs.

"We want to see baby put to sleep by themselves in their crib, with just a tight-fitting sheet over a crib mattress," says Duchossois.

She adds, "It's easy for a baby to roll over, and have their mouths and nose covered or get wedged against the mattress, but they won't be able to roll back.

Duchossois and other experts urge against co-sleeping - sleeping in an adult bed with parents.

She also says cribs should not be put at a window, where a child can get to cords from blinds or shades.

Those can create a strangulation hazard.

Once a child reaches toddler statue, drowning becomes a leading risk.

While bath-time can be bonding time for babies & parents, Duchossois says adults must be on alert.

"Shockingly, there is a child who drowns every week in a bathtub," she says.

"Never ever leave the child alone in a bathtub," Duchossois continues.

If you use large buckets for cleaning, gardening, or other home chores, always empty them and store them upside down.

The kitchen is another prime danger zone for toddlers and young children.

To head off scalds and burns-

"Use the back burners," she points out, and adds, "Make sure that you turn the handles toward the back of the stove."

And use knob covers on stoves to keep curious fingers safe.

"for a child, you can't get to that stove knob. But for a parent, you just squeeze and pull, and you can now get to the knob," she explains.

Storing cleaning products under the sink or in a low cabinet might be handy for you, but it's risky for little ones, putting poisons within easy reach.

Furniture, especially TV's, are a growing hazard.

The number of kids hurt by falling TV's has almost doubled since 1990 - and those under 5 are injured the most.

Secure flat screen TV's to the wall with straps.

Older TV's can go on very low furniture - but never on dressers.

"They'll use the dresser drawers at a step-ladder," Duchossois says.

And then the dresser and TV can topple over.

Duchossois tells parents, in fact, to secure all big furniture to the wall.

And be sure to anchor baby gates in stairwells to the wall, too.

Gina says parents and caregivers should walk around their homes often, and look for potential hazards.

And if you're a parent-to-be, start thinking about safety even before your new addition arrives.