Falls

Young children are still developing mobility and coordinate and can be prone to injuries caused by falls.  Head injuries are associated with most deaths and severe injuries resulting from falls

Safety Tips

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.
• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases.
• Install safety guards on windows.  Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.
• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs.  Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

 Choking, Suffocation, and Strangulation

Babies and little kids are very curious and will touch, taste, and smell almost everything.  Keep your child safe from things that could choke, suffocate, and strangle him or her by making home and play areas safe and hazard free. 

Safety Tips

•  Keep small objects such as buttons, beads, marbles, and coins out of reach and out of sight.
• Don’t let children under the age of three eat small, round or hard foods, such as small pieces of hot dogs, hard candy, nuts, grapes, or popcorn.
• Don’t allow toddlers to sleep on couches, chairs, regular beds, or other soft surfaces.
• Never allow your child to play in poorly ventilated spaces such as laundry machines, car trunks and toy chests.
• Avoid dressing children in necklaces, purses, scarves, or clothing with drawstrings.
• Tie up all window blind and drapery cords out of reach.

Toys

 Toy related injuries occur because babies put things in their mouth leading to choking and suffocation.  Make sure to read the warning labels on toys and follow their recommendations.

Safety Tips

• Buy toys appropriate for your child’s age, skill level and interest.
•   Use a small parts tester (or a toilet paper roll) to determine whether toys and objects in your home may present a choking hazard to young children.
• Check old and new toys for damage that may have created small parts or sharp edges.  Immediately made any necessary repairs and throw away damaged toys.
• Play with your child.  Interaction adds fun and development. 

Content Sources: Chocking, Suffocation, and Strangulation Prevention -Safe Kids USA; Fall Prevention- Safe Kids USA; Toy Safety- Safe Kids USA