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SafeTouch Security Toddler Safety Tips

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Feeling secure is important to you. That is why we have created this page to keep you updated on all the ways to keep you and your family safe 365 days a year. From home security to keeping your personal information safe, we have you covered.

How To Babyproof Your Home

Written By Shani Valencia

Baby proofing your home can be an overwhelming task when thinking about all the dangers that are hidden inside your home. Starting with the basics can help eliminate some of the dangers your baby might stumble upon while adventuring through your home.

First thing to start with would be keeping bathrooms locked or secured at all times. There are garbage, toilet and chemicals a child could get into that could lead to poisoning or injuries.

Next, would be to know how to keep a baby’s crib safe as they grow. To prevent any injuries, be aware of the crib-rail height for the baby’s age. Remember to not place any objects in the baby’s crib while they’re in it.

Another thing to keep in mind would be to keep an eye out for heavy objects located throughout your home. Doing so could prevent a major accident. Make sure to anchor any furniture, or secure any devices that a child could pull down or push.

Another important item to keep in mind is electricity. Cover any electrical sockets that aren’t being used. Also, secure any cables and place them out of reach of your mischievous adventurer. This is something big to keep in mind when babies start to crawl and/or walk.

One item that many seem to overlook are window blinds. Keep in mind they have pieces that can lead to a child to choke or strangle themselves.

A helpful task to do would be to create a small object tester. Grab an old toilet paper tube and if any item can fit through that tube, then it is a choking hazard and should not be left in any child’s reach.

If you have stairs, be sure to secure the top and bottom floor to prevent any accidents. Also, use gates to keep children secured in one area and out of the kitchen when not 100% supervised.

An obvious task that can go without saying would be to keep cleaning products or any other chemicals stored away and out of the reach of any children.

All this may seem like you’re creating a jail cell for your child but in reality, you’re preventing anything from happening that could harm them. So let’s create a safe space that belongs to the child so they can play while you’re occupied. Don’t forget to keep a lookout for any corners that could cause a bump or a cut. Also, make sure you have safeguards on any windows so they are not easily opened.

Car Seat Safety

Keeping your little one safe while you’re on the road is so important.  Choosing the right car seat is crucial. But making sure the seat is installed correctly is equally important.

There is a lot of info to keep straight when choosing and the right car seat for your child. You need to not only keep your child’s age in mind but also their height and weight. Always should also follow the installation instructions for your car or booster seat as well as the height and weight limits. What’s more, all children ages 12 and under should be buckled in the back seat.

Here is a breakdown of ages for car/booster seats from the CDC:

  • Birth to ages 2-4:  The child should be in a rear-facing car seat.
  • Age of 5 (or whenever they outgrow their rear-facing car seat):  The child should move to a forward-facing car seat.
  • Once your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, they should move to a booster seat.
  • So when can your child only use a seat belt? Once the seat belt fits your child without using a booster seat. This is usually around the ages of 9-12 years old and depends on their height and weight. Properly fitting seat belts should lay across the upper thighs and chests.

Toddler Water Safety

Living in Florida means we are surrounded by water. From the pond down the street to bathtubs, toilets, buckets and the pool in your backyard, if you are not careful these bodies of water can be hazardous to very young children.

Here are some tips on how to keep your little ones safe around water:

  • Be prepared: take a CPR class and a water safety class so you know what to do in case of a water emergency.
  • Always keep your eyes on your kids.
  • Enclose your pool.
  • Install safety locks on sliding glass doors.
  • Include safety monitors on doors with your home security system.
  • Enrol your child in a swimming class. Children as young as 6 months can start learning how to swim.

Toy Safety

You would like to think that all toddler toys are safe, but there are a couple of things to keep an eye out for when buying a new toy to bring into your home.

  • Toys are labelled nontoxic.
  • Fabric toys are labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
  • No small parts.
  • No small detachable parts.
  • Make sure they are easy to clean, they will get dirty.
  • Make sure the toys are age-appropriate.

 

 

Photos: Shutterstock