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Most parents are vigilant about baby proofing when their child starts crawling, and again when they start walking, but toddler proofing is just as important. Two-year-olds are especially at risk for injury because they're more mobile, intensely curious and highly determined to explore their environment. Unfortunately, they also lack the ability to anticipate the consequences of their actions. This means climbing on the chair seems like a fantastic idea, but falling off the chair doesn't occur to them. Every year, thousands of toddlers are injured in their homes and the fact is many of these injuries could have been prevented.
Here's how:
- Take a close look at every room in your home, not just the rooms where your child spends the most time.
- Supervision. Whether in the house or in the yard, there's just no substitute for the watchful eyes of a responsible adult. Always strap your toddler into their car seat. They may protest (loudly), but you know what's best.
- Safety experts recommend that you stoop to your child's level – literally. Sit on the floor in every room and look at the world from his point of view.
- Install child safety locks on doors (including the refrigerator and oven), low cabinets, and drawers. Child safety locks are especially important on drawers without drawer stops because they can easily be pulled out and dropped on little feet. All Young America drawers are equipped with heavy-duty drawer stops. Every year, thousands of children are injured by falling furniture. Even a twenty-pound child can topple a heavy piece by pulling, hanging or climbing on it. That's why all Young America furniture over 40" tall comes with a free tip restraint kit. These kits can be used to securely anchor any piece of furniture in your home.
- Don't assume that just because your child couldn't do it yesterday, they can't do it today. Toddlers are observant little sponges. For example, they've been watching you turn door handles for months now. Assume they're just waiting for the opportunity to try it out, preferably when you're not looking.
- Be especially cautious when you have company or are visiting other people's homes. It is easy to get distracted with guests. Consider assigning someone to watch your toddler at all times.
- Continue to use outlet covers or safety plugs in electrical sockets.
- Your toddler may develop an interest in pulling plugs out of sockets and putting them back in again. If you can, plug electrical appliances out of your child's reach.
- Blind and curtain cords pose a strangulation hazard. Cut them off or keep them securely wound up and tied out of your child's reach.
- Make sure your child's toys are age-appropriate. Many toys marked "3 years and up" have small parts that a toddler could choke on, cram in their ears or poke up their nose. A good rule: if it fits inside a toilet paper roll, it's too small. To prevent choking, insist that your toddler-on-the-go sits while eating. Snacking and running don't mix. Make sure the doors to your home lock from the inside with a key kept out of your child's reach.
- Swimming pools should be fenced in and locked. Plastic pool covers are not enough to prevent injury or worse. Hot tubs should have hard covers that lock.
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