Blenders and food processors: These handheld appliances with extremely sharp blades sent 7,261 people to the emergency room in 2011. It’s not just adults who are seriously harmed: The CPSC estimates that 1,250 kids younger than 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to immersion blenders and electric blenders in 2012 alone, says Wolfson. Because the power button is often located on the side of the device, it can turn on accidentally. So avoid plugging the blender in until you’re holding it properly, and keep it out of your child’s reach.
Many of these household products are necessities in our everyday lives, but young children are extremely curious and resourceful. They will explore whatever they can find and are often able to access items that we did not think they could.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission warns about a few more hidden dangers for our children: