As infants become toddlers they learn to crawl, walk, and run. This makes their risk for getting hurt very high. Two out of three hospital visits for toddlers are due to injuries that happened in the home. There are steps you can take to keep your child out of harm's way. The most common injuries that toddlers suffer from are poisonings, drownings, choking on small objects, burns and scalds, and falls.

To protect your toddler from poisoning...

Be sure to keep your household cleaning products, chemicals, and medicines out of reach of toddlers. You can also put child proof locks on cabinets where cleaning products are kept.

To protect your toddler from drowning...

Put rubber shower pads on the bottom of the tub to protect your toddler from slipping and falling into the water. Never leave children alone near any container of water, including the tub. If you have a home pool, install gates so children can't get in without an adult.

To protect your toddler from choking...

Keep all small objects such as keys, coins, balloons, or toys with small pieces. out of a child's reach. Also be careful of certain foods like candies, nuts, and foods with bones that can cause children to choke.

To protect your toddler from burns and scalds...

Set your water temperature to 120°F or less. Be sure not to carry hot liquids near your toddler and keep them away from the stove when cooking. Children can get confused by stoves and radiators that are sometimes cool and sometimes hot. Teach your children to stay away from them at all times to be safe. Put covers on your electrical outlets and keep matches and lighters out of reach.

To protect your toddler from falls...

Never leave toddlers alone in a high place, such as a bed or deck. Install safety gates and the top and bottom of stairs.

Other Safety Tips

• Tie the cords of blinds and appliances out of a child's reach.
• If you must have a gun in the house, keep bullets locked in a separate safe.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check them monthly.
• Remove furniture with sharp edges or use corner guards.
• Use rubber backings on the bottom of area rugs.
• Remove breakables from low tables and shelves.
• Give your child toys that match their age and developmental level.

Sources:

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com

http://www.childrenshospital.org