A Guide to Toddler Safety in Your Home
Mishaps around the house are the leading cause of death in children in North America. Toddlers in particular are curious and want to explore their surroundings with their new found mobility. But all too often, their curiosity gets them into trouble.
Many of these incidents, however, could have been avoided completely. Some basic precautions are all it takes. If you want to keep your child from harm, follow these toddler safety tips for your peace of mind.
Throughout the Home
* Any items of furniture that can easily tip over, such as a bookcase, must be secured to the wall with brackets.
* Doorknob covers are required for any room that you don’t want your toddler to enter, for safety reasons or otherwise. As well, she won’t be able to escape from the house when you’re not watching.
* If you have blinds on your windows, make sure the cords aren’t looped. If they are, hang them out of reach. Young children have been known to strangle in them.
* Electrical outlets should always have protective covers. This prevents small fingers and other objects from being inserted into them.
In the Kitchen
Be sure to install safety latches on all your kitchen cabinets and drawers. This helps prevent young children from accessing your cleaning products, many of which are toxic. As well, they won’t be able to get hold of sharp objects such as knives or scissors from the drawers.
When you’re cooking, use the back burners of the stove. Any pots should have the handles turned inward so your little one can’t grab them. If the oven is on, block access to it so your little one won’t get burned.
In the Bathroom
You’ll also need safety latches on the cabinets and drawers of your bathroom. Household cleaners and medications must be locked away where your child can’t get at them. Unplug electrical appliances such as your blow dryer or curling iron immediately after use. Store them safely out of a child’s reach.
If you have a toddler, you need a toilet lock to keep the lid down. Young children have a higher center of gravity and can easily fall into a toilet if they lean in to play in it. Remember that a small child can drown in less than an inch of water. So it’s essential to supervise them in the bathroom at all times.
Check your house carefully for any other potential hazards. Deal with them immediately. With these precautions and some common sense, raising toddlers can be easy and fun.
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