Parents bringing young children to Brazil, stock up on safety locks!!!

Sad to say that unlike in North America, the United Kingdom, European Union and most other developed nations, the issue of child safety does not seem to come naturally to most Brazilians. Because of the different mindset you will not find many child safety products such as corner protectors, cupboard and drawer locks, fridge locks, toilet seat locks, etc., here in Brazil, they simply don't exist here. Despite the fact that every year dozens of infants drown in toilets, buckets and washing machines; all accidents which are always reported in the media, it just doesn't seem to sink into the heads of most Brazilians, nor has the government made any such devices mandatory.

While you will find electrical outlet protectors here in Brazil, you will likely have to search far and wide until you can do so. Given the difference in plug styles these are a product you can't simply bring from home. All other products are unheard of here and you should stock up on them at home before you make a move to Brazil with small children.

Even though child car seats are now mandatory under the Código de Transito Brasileiro - CTB, you will rarely ever see one in a car. Bicycle helmets, you may see a serious adult cyclist using one from--time-to-time, seeing a child with a helmet would be an event worth marking on the calendar, sad to say. In fact, even though helmets are readilly available children who use them are subjected to such ridicule that they soon give up wearing them.

Oh, and just in case you might entertain the idea that manufacturing such devices would be a great business idea to get into in Brazil, forget it... you'll go boke because Brazilians just wouldn't buy them even though their kids' lives depend on them.

Don't bring:
Plug outlet protectors, ours won't work here. Child car seats (must have Brazilian seal of approval).

Do bring:
Corner protectors / cupboard and drawer locks / refrigerator door locks / toilet seat locks / door knob spinners / booster seats for car (not available here) / seatbelt adaptors - none of the above are even available here.

It is extremely ironic that in a nation where family seems to be more important even than football, they place such little value on their most precious possession, their child.

Cheers,
James
expat.com Experts Team