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Keeping your toddler safe in different environments

Every different environment has its own dangers for a toddler, so make sure that wherever you are you’ve checked for, and taken care of, any safety hazards.

In the kitchen

• Put saucepans on the burners at the back of your cooker and turn the handles away so they aren't within easy reach.
• Electrical sockets should all be protected with toddler proof safety covers, and never leave any electrical cords dangling. They could be grabbed, causing electrocution or other injuries.
• Keep all kitchen cleaning fluids and bleach in a locked cupboard. These products could be fatally toxic if swallowed.

In the bathroom

• Limit your child’s access to the bathroom with a safety gate or lock, and try to keep the toilet lid down and even locked when not in use.
• Always drain the bath immediately after use.
• Keep any medicines, mouthwash, toothpaste and other toiletries locked away and out of reach. Remember, toddlers like to experiment by putting most new things they find in their mouths.

In the hall and living room

• Stay on your guard constantly for small toys and objects left around that could present choking hazards.
• Remove delicate and breakable ornaments and vases from any surfaces within your child’s reach.
• Keep any electrical cords well out of reach and use outlet covers to help minimise electrocution risks.
• Secure televisions and heavy furniture to prevent your child from tipping anything over on top of herself.
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of any stairs in your home.
• If you need to keep your front door open, for instance, to bring in the shopping, make sure your toddler is safely looked after in another room and can’t get out on to the driveway or road.

In the bedroom

• Unless you’re considering keeping your bedroom off-limits to your child, you’ll need to think about making it child friendly.
• Decorative fittings in your bedroom such as long curtains, tall lamps, rugs and candles can all be dangerous hazards to a young child, so consider minimising the decorative elements in your bedroom until your child is a little older.
• Also make sure that any pictures are securely mounted on walls and that any shelves or bookcases are safely secured.

Outdoors

• Make sure that any doors that give access to the outside world at either the front or back of your house are securely locked at all times.
• Make sure that all swing sets and play areas have a soft underneath area, and that if your garden is fenced make sure that’s locked as well.
• Water is extremely dangerous to young children. It holds a great fascination for them, yet children can drown in less than 30cm of water. So keep paddling pools drained when not in use and protect ponds with mesh, or even consider draining them.
• Keep power tools, garden equipment and insecticides safely locked away in a secure shed.

In the car

• Install a child seat correctly in accordance with safety regulations.
• Make sure that your toddler can’t open a door or window from her seat, and use child locks.
• Have set safety practices in place for when you open and shut doors to prevent finger injuries.
• Use sun shades to protect your toddler’s delicate eyes.

In other people’s homes

• You need to be particularly on your guard when you visit a home that’s not toddler proof.
• Ask your host to designate a ‘safe room’ for your toddler to stay in, and check it thoroughly before you give your child a free reign.
• Consider carrying electrical socket covers with you so as you can always be certain that a room is 100% safe.
• Bring entertainment such as toys and books for your toddler.
• Always accompany your toddler to an unfamiliar bathroom, even if she’s potty-trained. This will help to prevent any accidents or embarrassment for your child if anything goes a bit wrong!.