Important Safety Tips if You Have a Toddler in the Home

Accidents in the home are the primary cause of death among children in the US. Toddlers in particular are curious and want to explore their surroundings with their new found mobility. Frequently, however, their curious natures cause them some problems.

Many of these injuries, though, can be easily avoided. 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

* Large pieces of furniture that are prone to tipping, like a shelving unit, should be fastened to the wall using brackets.

* Use doorknob covers to keep your toddler out of rooms that pose potential hazards. They will also keep him from leaving the house unsupervised.

* Make sure your window blinds don’t have looped cords. They have been the cause of strangulation among young children in a number of cases.

* Electrical outlets should always have protective covers. This will keep out curious fingers and small objects that can lead to electrocution.

Kitchen Safety

The cabinets and drawers in your kitchen should all have safety latches installed. This helps prevent young children from accessing your cleaning products, many of which are toxic. It also keeps them from grabbing sharp objects like scissors or knives from inside the drawers.

When you’re cooking, use the back burners of the stove. Keep the handles of your pots and pans turned in so that they’re out of reach for your toddler. 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. Make sure that cleaning products and medicinal products are locked up safe from your little one’s grasp. Unplug electrical appliances such as your blow dryer or curling iron immediately after use. Put them somewhere where your child can’t reach them.

A toilet latch is essential in order to keep the lid closed. Young children have a higher center of gravity and can easily fall into a toilet if they lean in to play in it. It takes less than an inch of water for a small child to drown. So it’s essential to supervise them in the bathroom at all times.

Check your house carefully for any other potential hazards. Take care of them right away. Having toddlers in the house can be a time of joy when you don’t have to worry so much about their safety.

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