Children seem to grow faster than you imagine. Your newborn goes through development milestones and is ready to navigate the world on those tiny feet before you know it. While nothing makes you happier than seeing your toddler reach the stage, the event also means you need to be extra cautious.
Toddlers have a knack for exploring the most dangerous places and getting hurt in the process.
Statistics suggest that the average age for children to start walking is 12 months, so you must have a safety plan in place sooner than later.
Falls are the most common reason to worry for parents. NIH data shows that fall-related injuries bring nearly 8000 children to U.S. emergency rooms every day. That means there’s no room for complacency.
The numbers sound scary, but most mishaps are preventable with caution and planning. As a parent, you must foresee the dangers and address the risks to make your home and other places safe for a curious toddler ready to explore the unknown.
Here are a few toddler safety tips you can rely on when your little one steps into a new phase of life.
Invest in a High-Quality Baby Walker
As your baby grows, you need things to support their developmental journey. A baby walker plays a significant role in early development as it enhances motor skills and coordination. It also offers the support and stability a little one needs to take the first steps confidently.
However, safety should be the top priority when it comes to buying a baby walker.
The best baby walkers comply with the safety standards and guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Besides checking for safety standards, consider factors such as age-appropriateness, stability, and maneuverability while taking your pick.
Remember to check the product reviews because a little effort can help you choose wisely.
According to Walk Baby Walk, picking a random product to support your toddler’s navigational journey is the last thing you should do. You must research thoroughly to select a reliable and comfortable product for your infant because it can make all the difference.
Provide a Safe Environment
Did you know that more than half of fall injuries among kids occur in children below four? Since that’s the age when kids likely stay home, most of the fall accidents happen at home instead of school or outside.
Another survey shows that the prevalence of home mishaps in toddlers is a whopping 32.05%. If you have a toddler, you need to go the extra mile to make your living space safe. Here are a few tips that help.
Clear the Obstacles
Floor lamps and vases can pose hazards for a baby learning to walk for the first time. The little one may try to hold on to these for extra stability. That’s risky because a heavy lamp or vase falling on the child can be dangerous.
The injuries can be severe if broken porcelain or glass hits the toddler. Cords from floor lamps can cause the child to trip.
Rearrange Furniture
Rearranging your furniture to maximize space is a good idea when your little one starts crawling. But you must consider redoing the furniture placement once the toddler is ready for the first steps.
Since the infant will need support to stand up and maintain balance, placing the furniture pieces strategically can help. Anything with hard corners shouldn’t be around.
Keep Dangerous Things Out of Reach
Ensuring that dangerous things are out of reach is the number one rule for parents. Your baby can reach a lot more stuff once they are on their feet.
Delicate décor items on side tables can be dangerous if your toddler breaks them or tries to ingest them. Also, phone wires and laptop chargers shouldn’t be within reach.
Install Safety Gates
Installing safety gates is a good idea if you have stairs in your home. The statistics of stair-related injuries are alarming, as surveys report that a child falls off stairs every six minutes in the US.
A safety gate gives you peace of mind about your toddler being safe at home, so it is a wise investment for any parent raising a little one.
Stay Vigilant
Another unspoken tip to ensure the safety of a toddler when they just start walking is to be around and vigilant.
An adult should be at home at all times, whether you need to call a friend or hire a babysitter to help when you have a work meeting or dinner date with your partner.
Just being around isn’t enough, as a mishap may happen when you aren’t watching. You cannot compromise safety to watch a TV show, attend a call, or brew a cup of tea in the kitchen. Wait until the child is asleep or someone else takes over the baby-watching responsibility.
The Bottom Line
Toddler safety is non-negotiable at all stages of development, but it becomes extra crucial when your little one starts walking. Although you shouldn’t restrict the child from exploring the world, being vigilant and taking adequate safety measures should be your priorities.
Follow these tips to make your home safe for your little adventurer.
