It’s a big moment when your baby goes from a helpless infant to an energy-filled toddler.
From taking those first wobbly steps to starting to communicate with simple words and phrases, it’s a time of explosive growth for your child and constant entertainment for you.
But a child’s newfound independence can mean new dangers as well. To ensure your little one is safe as they develop new skills, keep these toddler safety tips in mind:
Toddler-Proof the House
Falls killed 44,600 people in 2021 in the US. That’s a frightening number, and it’s all too easy to imagine your child taking a serious tumble when you least expect it.
That’s why toddler-proofing your home is an essential first step in ensuring their safety.
Start installing a baby gate at the top of any stairs. They don’t cost much, and they can help your youngster avoid a potentially fatal accident.
If your toddler is a climber, putting a gate at the bottom of stairs can also be helpful, ensuring your little one doesn’t end up climbing too high and not knowing how to get down.
Next, remove any dangerous household cleaners or medicines that might be accessible to a curious little one. Ensure they’re on high shelves out of reach, or store them in a locked cabinet.
Use covers for any exposed electrical outlets, and consider adding bumpers to any sharp corners on furniture.
Some basic child-proofing in your home can go a long way in making sure your little ones can explore their environment without danger.
Keep On Schedule With Doctor’s Visits
The stage of growth as a toddler is one of the fastest in a person’s life, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
That’s why making regular visits to your family doctor is especially important during the toddler years.
Your doctor will check your toddler’s height and weight, as well as asking some questions to help ensure they’re meeting the expected milestones for their age.
Regular doctor’s visits also allow you to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have about your child.
Make it a habit to jot down issues you want to bring up with your family doctor while at home, so that you don’t forget anything.
Install a Fence Around Your Property
Spending time outdoors is beneficial for children of all ages, but you want them to be safe when they’re enjoying fresh air and exercise.
Fencing in your property is an incredibly effective way to do this, since it allows you to create a safe and controlled outdoor space for your little one to enjoy.
Ensure that the gates you choose for your fence have proper safety latches, so that your toddler won’t be able to accidentally open them and wander off.
While fencing your property can be a pricey project, it offers benefits beyond simply keeping your toddler safe that can make it worth the investment.
Teach Them About Crossing the Street
One of the most important lessons children learn as they start to develop independence is how to safely cross a street.
And the sooner you start teaching your child proper procedures, they safer they will be as time goes on.
The first lesson to teach your toddler is to never cross the street without an adult.
Children love to run ahead of their parents, so ensure that when you’re walking, your child knows to wait for you whenever they reach an intersection.
Next, you can start to impress upon your little ones the basic steps of crossing the street safely.
Point out the signals at any traffic lights, and talk about how you wait to cross until the walking light is on.
At crosswalks, have your toddler assist you in looking both ways and waiting for cars to stop before crossing.
You may be surprised by how quickly your toddler picks up the basics of being a safe pedestrian.
And, having those lessons in mind from an early age will help them navigate the world safely as they grow.
From buying a properly-fitting 5-point booster seat to protecting delicate toddler skin with sunscreen, there’s no end to a parent’s job when it comes to keeping your toddler safe.
But, starting with these toddler safety tips can help ensure your little one avoids accidents as they grow and develop.
Before you know it, you’ll have a happy, healthy, and independent preschooler on your hands, and a whole new set of adventures in parenting for you!