Toddlers
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As toddlers become more mobile, they have specific injury risks. As for any age, these risks are not by "accident" and with proper layers of protection and prevention efforts, injuries are 100% preventable. Toddler-aged children are naturally curious to explore. This is how the brain learns, and toddlers also learn by observing others. Common injuries for this age include suffocation, choking, motor vehicle injury, drowning, burns, falls, and intentional injury from child abuse.
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A Brief Summary of Prevention Tips
The following safety measures, parents and caregivers can take significantly reduce risks and promote a safe environment for toddlers. Because these are general safety tips, we urge parents and caregivers to visit Car Seat Safety and Parent Central for additional safety recommendations that prevent these specific causes. Implementing these safety tips can greatly reduce risks and help create a safer environment for children.
Suffocation
Causes: Soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, or overheating during sleep; co-sleeping with parent; parents or caregivers accidentally covering the face or head.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Always place infants on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface.
- Keep sleep areas free of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and soft bedding.
- Maintain a comfortable room temperature to prevent overheating.
- Ensure that sleep environments meet safe sleep guidelines.
Choking
Causes: Small foods, toys, or objects that block the airway.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Offer age-appropriate foods, cut into small, manageable pieces.
- Keep small objects, plastic bags, and toys with small parts out of reach.
- Supervise feeding and playtime closely.
- Avoid giving hard candies, nuts, popcorn, or sticky foods to young children.
Motor Vehicle Injury
Causes: Car accidents, improper use of car seats, or leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Always use an age-appropriate, properly installed car seat in the back seat.
- Never leave children alone in or near vehicles.
- Ensure passengers are buckled up correctly every time.
- Teach children about vehicle safety and never allow them to play in or around parked cars.
Drowning
Causes: Unsupervised access to pools, bathtubs, buckets, or other water sources.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Never leave infants unattended near water—bathtubs, pools, or even buckets.
- Empty buckets and containers immediately after use.
- Install barriers or fencing around pools and hot tubs.
- Always supervise infants closely during bath time and water play.
Burns
Causes: Hot liquids, stove burns, hot surfaces, or electrical appliances.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Set water heater temperature below 120°F (49°C).
- Keep hot liquids and foods out of reach.
- Use stove knob covers and supervise children during cooking.
- Keep electrical cords out of reach and repair damaged wiring promptly.
Falls
Causes: Falling from furniture, stairs, windows, or playground equipment.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Use safety gates at stairs and secure windows with guards or locks.
- Keep floors clear of clutter and small objects.
- Anchor heavy furniture and televisions to walls.
- Supervise children during play, especially on elevated surfaces.
Child Abuse and Intentional Injury
Causes: Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, often stemming from stress, frustration, or inadequate supervision.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Provide a safe, nurturing environment and foster open communication.
- Be attentive to signs of distress or injury and respond promptly.
- Educate caregivers about appropriate discipline and stress management.
- Report any concerns or suspicions of abuse to authorities immediately.
