Paediatrician Shares 5 Everyday Changes To Reduce Health Risks For Children At Home

A healthy home for children involves more than regular cleaning, as everyday household habits can influence their breathing, sleep, nutrition, skin health and overall development, paediatrician Dr Rajiv Chhabra said. Since young children spend considerable time indoors, parents can reduce their exposure to common household risks through simple and consistent changes. Chhabra outlined five areas that parents can focus on to create a safer home environment.

The first is maintaining cleaner indoor air. Dust, cooking smoke, incense, mosquito repellents and strong fragrances can affect indoor air quality, according to Chhabra. He recommended keeping kitchens well ventilated and using exhaust fans while cooking. Regularly wiping dusty surfaces can also help, while opening windows to allow fresh outdoor air can be considered when pollution levels outside are low.

The second area is making cleaning practices safer for children. While regular cleaning can help control dust, mould and allergens, household cleaning products can pose risks when handled or stored incorrectly. Chhabra advised parents to keep detergents, disinfectants, pesticides and other chemicals in their original containers and store them well away from children. He also cautioned against mixing cleaning chemicals because some combinations can release dangerous fumes.

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Food habits at home are another important factor. Chhabra recommended keeping nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, pulses and whole grains easily accessible while limiting the availability of sugary drinks, packaged snacks and highly processed foods. He also highlighted basic hygiene measures, including washing hands before meals, ensuring access to clean drinking water and storing food safely to reduce the risk of infections.

The paediatrician also stressed the importance of sleep and regular daily routines. He recommended keeping children's bedrooms comfortable, quiet and relatively dark at night, while avoiding screen use before bedtime. Maintaining consistent sleeping and waking times can support children's learning, mood, immunity and physical growth. Parents should also pay attention to less obvious household hazards, including medicines, batteries, sharp objects and small items that children could swallow.

Chhabra said parents do not need to create a completely risk-free or perfect home but should identify preventable exposures and develop simple habits to reduce them. Good ventilation, cleaner indoor air, safe storage of potentially harmful substances, nutritious food, proper hygiene and healthy routines can collectively contribute to a safer environment for children. These measures, when followed consistently, can help establish healthier everyday conditions within the home.

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