| Accidental poisoning |
- Explores by putting objects in mouth
- Can open drawers, closets, boxes, and
- most containers
- Climbs
- Cannot read labels
- Does not know safe dose or amount
| - Place all potentially toxic agents, including cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, and medications, out of reach or in locked cabinet.
- Caution against eating nonedible items such as plants.
- Replace medications or poisons immediately in locked cabinet; replace child-guard caps properly.
- Administer medications as drug, not as candy.
- Do not store surplus toxic agents.
- Promptly discard empty poison containers; never reuse to store food item or other poison.
- Teach child not to play in trash containers.
- Never remove labels from containers of toxic substances.
- Know number of nearest poison control center (800-222-1222).
|
| Falls |
- Able to open doors and some
- windows
- Goes up and down stairs
- Depth perception unrefined
| - Use window guards; do not rely on screens to stop falls
- Place gates at top and bottom of stairs
- Keep doors locked or use child-proof doorknob covers at entry to stairs, high porch, or other elevated area, including laundry chute.
- Remove unsecured or scatter rugs.
- Apply nonskid decals in bathtub or shower.
- Keep crib rails fully raised and mattress at lowest level.
- Place carpeting under crib and in bathroom.
- Keep large toys and bumper pads out of crib or play yard (child can use these as “stairs” to climb out); move child to youth bed when he or she is able to climb out of crib.
- Avoid using wheeled walkers, especially near stairs.
- Dress in safe clothing (soles that do not “catch” on floor, tied shoelaces, pant legs that do not touch floor).
- Keep child restrained in vehicles; never leave unattended in shopping cart.
- Supervise at playgrounds; select play areas with soft ground cover and safe equipment.
|
| Choking and suffocation |
- Puts things in mouth
- May swallow hard or nonedible
- pieces of food
| - Avoid large, round chunks of meat such as whole hot dogs (slice lengthwise into short pieces).
- Avoid fruit with pits, fish with bones, hard candy, chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, grapes, and marshmallows.
- Choose large, sturdy toys without sharp edges or small removable parts.
- Discard old refrigerators, ovens, and other appliances after removing door.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; change batteries every 6 months.
- Develop a fire escape plan for the entire family and have drills.
- Select safe toy boxes or chests without heavy, hinged lids.
- Keep Venetian blind (or shade) cords out of child’s reach.
- Remove drawstrings from clothing; shorten essential drawstrings to 15.24 cm (6 inches) or less.
|
| Bodily injuries |
- Still clumsy in many skills
- Easily distracted from tasks
- Unaware of potential danger from
- strangers or other people
| - Avoid giving sharp or pointed objects such as knives, scissors, or toothpicks, especially when walking or running.
- Do not allow lollipops or similar objects in mouth when walking or running.
- Teach safety precautions (e.g., to carry knife or scissors with pointed end away from face).
- Store all dangerous tools, garden equipment, and firearms in locked cabinet.
- Be alert to danger of supervised animals and household pets.
- Use safety glass and decals on large, glassed areas such as sliding glass doors.
- Teach child name, address, and phone number and to ask for help from appropriate people (cashier, security guard, policeman) if lost; have identification on child (sewn in clothes, inside shoe).
- Teach stranger safety:
- Avoid personalized clothing in public places.
- Never go with a stranger.
- Tell parents if anyone makes child feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Always listen to child’s concerns regarding others’ behavior.
- Teach child to say “no” when confronted with uncomfortable situations.
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