Toddler safety: in a nutshell

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Toddlers really want to do things for themselves. This built-in urge worked fine when we lived in caves. Then the most dangerous thing a toddler could do was learn to wipe his own bottom. But now, with toasters, microwaves and powerpoints, sharp knives and roads with cars, doing it themselves has greater dangers.

Toddlers get into places that you wouldn’t expect to find a possum. They experiment with everything. Until they are five or six, most don’t understand the dangers. And, because they are still finding their feet, they seem to be constantly bumping, tripping and falling down. 

Safety inside the home

The best way to toddler-proof your home is to get down to her level and look about. What can you see down there that might be dangerous? To avoid constantly telling her ‘no’, remove anything you don’t want touched. Here are some other tips:

• Toddlers love to climb so secure your furniture, especially bookcases and TVs.
• Keep chairs away from windows and balconies.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.
• When your toddler is out of your sight for a couple of minutes, you may want to check whether he's discovered something intriguing but dangerous.
• Curtain tie-backs and window blind cords can strangle a curious toddler. Remove them or hook them well out of reach.
• When you make a well deserved cup of coffee, keep it away from little fingers.
• Install a safety gate at the top of stairs and teach her to come down stairs backwards.
• Keep medicines, cleaning fluids and other poisons locked away in high cupboards.
• Turn down your hot water system to 50° C to avoid scalding.
• Keep a well stocked first aid kit and keep it out of her reach.
• Check your fire alarms regularly.
• Deadlocking doors when you are inside the house prevents you getting out if there is a fire. Only deadlock when you are away from home.

In the kitchen

• A dangling toaster cord is tempting to pull so keep appliance cords from hanging over the edge of the bench.
• When cooking, turn saucepan handles inwards and use the back stove elements (rather than the front ones) when possible.
• Keep washing up liquid, insect sprays and other chemicals locked away and up high.
• Remove stools or chairs that help her reach dangerous items, like knives or glasses.

In the bathroom

• Never leave your toddler alone in the bath, even for a second. Drowning is both quick and silent. If you need to leave the bathroom to get something, get her out of the bath.
• Heat bath water to between 37°C and 38°C.
• Lock medicines up high, out of reach.

Safety outside the home

Toddlers are fast and quiet. One minute, she is standing by your side, the next she is over at the duck pond or heading for the carpark. By always keeping your eye on her outdoors, you can avoid dangerous accidents. When out walking, holding hands or using a pram can keep her from darting onto the road. Swimming pools and open water are danger zones for a curious toddler. Remember, drowning is swift and silent.

Keep these other pointers in mind:

• When outdoors, remember the sunscreen and a hat. Toddlers burn very easily. Keep up the habit of wearing a hat for all outside play. Remember that some clothing lets through more radiation than SPF30 sunscreen does.
• In the car. Always buckle her up in the proper car restraint for her size. Children left in cars overheat very quickly so don’t be tempted to leave her while you pop into the shop. Always take her with you.
• In the garden. A secure garden fence allows your toddler to play safely in your backyard. Just watch she doesn’t figure out how to open the gate. If your garden is not fenced, make sure she can’t open the doors to go outside without you.

In case of emergency

They don’t happen every day but accidents do happen. Be prepared by keeping a list of emergency phone numbers in your mobile or by the phone.

It’s wise to take a first aid course, particularly if you live in an isolated area or are often with your toddler on your own. The Parenting in Pictures guides to choking and CPR are also worth printing and sticking on the fridge.

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  Newsletter snippet: Toddler safety: in a nutshell
  

  
  By Raising Children Network

  Toddlers experiment with everything. By removing any sources of danger in your home, garden or car, you can give your toddler the freedom he needs to explore.
  
  Safety in the home

  • Secure your furniture, especially bookcases and TVs.
  • Keep chairs away from windows and balconies.
  • Remove curtain tie-backs and cords, or hook them well out of reach.
  • Install a safety gate at the top of stairs and teach your toddler to come down the stairs backwards.
  • Keep a well stocked first aid kit and keep it out of reach.
  • Turn saucepan handles inwards and use the backburners when cooking.
  • Never leave your toddler alone in the bath, even for a second.

  Safety outside

  • Always supervise your toddler around water.
  • Always hold a toddler's or preschooler's hand when you are crossing the road.
  • Common injuries at the playground include fractures and dislocations resulting from falls from equipment.

  This article is an extract only. For more information, visit raisingchildren.net.au/safety/toddlers_safety.html.

  Sourced from the Raising Children Network's comprehensive and quality-assured Australian parenting website www.raisingchildren.net.au.