Toddler Survival Tip #18
18. Safety
By now, you have probably child proofed your home. With a toddler running about, you may have even 'un-child proofed some parts of your home thinking they are old enough now to 'learn or know better.'
But actually you have to be even MORE careful now as your toddler gets more mobile and curious. I have talked in the past about allowing your children to learn important life skills by doing for themselves. In order for this to happen your home needs to be safety proof. Remember toddlers are EXPLORERS, DETECTIVES, CHEMISTS, COOKS, GARDENERS, MECHANICS... and they need your supervision and guidance.
THE TIPS:
To keep a toddler safe, you should:
According to the latest car seat guidelines, toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old or until they reach the weight and height limits of their seat. Children will remain in booster seats until the age of 9 or until they reach the weight and height limits.
Covers still need to remain on outlets, latches on cabinets, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors up to date. Make sure all climbing hazards are removed or secure in your home. A friend of mine lost their 2 year old in a toy box accident because the lid crashed down too on his neck. Make sure there are no lids or they are shocked absorbent. My husbands best friend had a dresser and a large shelf fall on him when he was a child, which hurt him but he was ok luckily. It was from climbing up. Put anchors on tall shelves.
Curious toddlers love 'chemistry' KEEP all dangerous chemicals out and reach AND locked up. This includes alcohol, vitamins, prescriptions etc. My oldest son accidently ate a couple of my birth control pills, I was so worried I called the hospital and they assured me he would not get pregnant. (funny for them, scary for me, he was fine.)
More info on Child Safety:
NEW BABY Child Proofing:
- Setting the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees to prevent scalding burns.
- Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Making your home smoke-free, so that your baby isn't exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Reviewing your home's risk for causing lead poisoning, especially if it was built before 1978.
- Making sure that used or hand-me-down equipment, such as a used crib, hasn't been recalled for safety reasons.
- Learning to use baby products correctly and according to age appropriate recommendations.
- Checking your labels of what is in products before putting them on your baby.http://www.babycenter.com/0_phthalates-in-baby-shampoos-baby-lotions-and-baby-powder_3647060.bc
- Learning the numbers to poison control, police and other emergency numbers. A great one to know is 811. Call 8-1-1 from anywhere in British Columbia to speak with a nurse any time of the day or night. On weekdays, you can speak to a dietitian about nutrition and healthy eating. At night we have pharmacists available to answer your medication questions.
- Learning CPR or Child CPR is a great tool to have in your home, as well as an updated first aid kit.
Happy Parenting!
www.stickyhands.ca
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