Toddlers are the group most at risk of injury. They are mobile, curious, impulsive, and full of energy. They do not yet have any sense of danger, and this is immediately apparent to all parents as they try to cope with their toddlers’ running and climbing and exploring. Toddlers need to be supervised at all times. They are at an age when they continually explore the environment. Parents have a responsibility to encourage and guide this exploration while at the same time making sure that the risks of injury are minimised.
Water safety
This is the peak age for drownings. Children must be constantly supervised around water. If you have a swimming pool, make sure there is a Standards-approved between your house and the neighbours’ house are secure. Never leave your child alone in the bath, even for a moment. Do not rely on older children to supervise a toddler. Check the environment to make sure there are no pools of water; young children can drown in water only a few centimetres deep. Nappy buckets pose particular dangers when children are learning to walk.
Scalds
Toddlers are very much at risk for scalds, especially from cups of tea or coffee, but also in the bath or by pulling at tablecloths, the cords of electrical appliances, or knocking over saucepans or buckets containing hot liquids. Do not nurse or cuddle your toddler if you are holding a hot drink.
Burns
Make sure that there is effective sun protection when the child goes outside to play. Hats, long sleeves and blockout creams are the order of the day. A young child’s skin is very sensitive, and severe sunburn can occur even on an overcast day. Be careful of open fires, radiators and barbecues, and keep matches and cigarette lighters out of reach.
Toddlers love to climb, and may use chairs or tables to explore wardrobes or high shelves. Secure furniture such as bookshelves and dressers which can be toppled over. Put safety catches on windows.
Cuts and lacerations
Keep knives and scissors out of reach, and pad sharp edges of tables and bookshelves.
Choking
Make sure the child sits while eating. Do not give him peanuts, as they are easily inhaled, and keep beads and small parts of toys out of reach.
Poisoning
Keep medicines under lock and key (tablets can look like lollies to a young child), and store detergents, dishwasher powder and liquid and other household chemicals out of reach and preferably in a locked cupboard. Do not store household poisons in soft drink or fruit juice containers. Your toddler should travel in a Standards-approved toddler restraint in the back seat of the car. If your child can open the car door even while restrained, keep the door locked.
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