How To Keep Your Toddler Safe
Betty is one of the best grandmothers ever. But the day she entered the bedroom and saw the cord from the window blind entangled around her grandson’s neck, she felt like the worst person alive. How could it have happened?
She had cut the cords short, but still the child had pulled them into his crib. When Betty found the baby alive and well, she wept with relief. Then she moved the bed away from the window.
Between the ages of six months and two years, children are beginning to walk, run, climb, jump and explore everything. It’s a wonderful time for their development, but a time when adults need to watch them like hawks.
We can’t allow for every danger a child will face here, but we can list some of the most common ones. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, the biggest threat to a child’s life and health at this age is an accident.
Fire And Burns
* Cover unused electrical outlets with rotating-style safety plugs.
* Keep appliance cords out of reach by tying them up or taping them down.
* While working in the kitchen, keep children in playpens or high chairs.
* Turn pot handles to the back of the stove where they are out of reach of curious hands.
* Use place mats instead of table cloths, because toddlers may try to pull themselves up by grabbing hold of the cloth.
* Never carry a child and hot liquids at the same time.
* Turn your water heater to 120 degrees or lower to prevent scalding.
Falls
* Move chairs and other furniture away from windows to discourage young climbers.
* Don’t let toddlers play on or near stairs. Use permanent safety gates at the top and bottom.
* Remove or cushion sharp-edged furniture where a child goes.
* Avoid accordion gates with large openings; a child’s neck could get trapped in the openings.
* High chairs cause almost 10,000 injuries to small children each year. Use restraining straps that run around a child’s waist and between the legs to keep them from escaping from the seat and falling to the floor or getting their head caught in the structure.
* The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that baby walkers not be used.
Choking And Poisons
* Do not store household cleaning products under the sink. Keep them and all poisons locked up and out of reach.
* Small children use their mouths to explore the world. Keep them away from objects they can pick up and swallow, such as toys for older children, safety pins, coins, broken or deflated balloons, jewelry and batteries. Remove refrigerator magnets.
* Remove wall hangings and mobiles over the crib.
* Avoid all foods that could lodge in a child’s throat, such as hot dogs, nuts, raw carrots, grapes, candies, gum, popcorn and food with pits.
* Learn how to save the life of a choking child. Consult your doctor.
* Use a small parts tester “choke tube” to see if small toys or parts present a choking hazard.
* If small children are present, keep potentially hazardous cleaning compounds capped while in use.
* Use safety caps on medicines and toxic household products.
* Keep all purses out of reach.
* Safely dispose of plastic cleaning bags immediately.
* Keep the number of your local poison control center by all phones.
The Dangers Never Cease
* Keep window cords out of reach. Cut looped chains or cords of window blinds in half and add large safety tassels to the ends.
* Never leave a child alone in or near a bathtub, pail of water, or any other water for even an instant.
* Lock all cabinets and drawers from the countertop down, and oven, dryer and dishwasher doors.
* Buy clothes with snaps, buttons, or Velcro instead of long, loose drawstrings which can snag and present a choking or falling hazard.
* Be sure you can always hear a child if they cry.
* Encourage grandparents and caregivers to childproof their homes.
* There are numerous products designed to keep your child safe. Some that you should consider are: toilet lid locks; bathtub products such as cushioned covers for spouts and knobs; anti-scald devices; cabinet and drawer latches; corner and edge bumpers; door guards; electrical-cord products; electrical outlet covers; medicine cabinet latches; stove guards; window blind products; and window locks.
John Myre
View all articles by John Myre
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 5 $731.15 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 5 $731.15 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x12″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 4 $726.11 |
|
|
MERCEDES 113 Pagoda 230sl left door w/lock w/window reg and lift as well $588.88 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 5 $620.90 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 5 $620.90 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 5 $620.90 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 4 $587.51 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 4 $587.51 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 4 $587.51 |
|
|
03-06 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, Power Window and Lock Door Panel Kit w/Wiring $475.00 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 4 $499.31 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 4 $499.31 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 4 $499.31 |
|
|
SPAL 4 DR POWER WINDOWS + LOCKS + REMOTE START W/ALARM $379.99 |
|
|
corvette rear window locks – 1968 only – rechromed $400.00 |
|
|
THUNDERBIRD DOOR PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE TBIRD 60 FORD $300.00 |
|
|
THUNDERBIRD DOOR DRIVER LEFT SIDE TBIRD 60 FORD $300.00 |
|
|
Spal DELUXE 4 Door Power Windows + locks kit w/switches $359.99 |
|
|
11 Antique Fancy Victorian Window Sash Locks Pat 1883 Unused $385.00 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x12″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 2 $369.53 |
|
|
RV Trailer Camper Complete Entry Door / Window / lock set w/ key Screen Door Jam $229.99 |
|
|
dodge sprinter 2000-06 power windows door locks $299.00 |
|
|
Blomus Signo Locking Wall Mounted Letter Box With Window $342.26 |
|
|
79-87 EL CAMINO GMC CABALLERO POWER WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK SET COMP $299.99 |
|
|
79-87 EL CAMINO GMC CABALLERO POWER WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK SET COMP $299.99 |
|
|
Lexus IS300 Power Window Lock Set INCLUDING FACTORY OEM WOOD BEZELS $300.00 |
|
|
W163 ML350 ML55 ML500 03-05 WINDOW MIRROR SWITCH $297.78 |
|
|
Wrought Brass Window screen hinged locking folding $194.44 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 2 $300.23 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 2 $300.23 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x10″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 2 $300.23 |
|
|
287 Window Sweep Latches, 2-1/16 Swivel type Sash Lock – White/ poly C $300.00 |
|
|
Mustang Door Panels Opal Gray Grey fits 87-93 Manual Windows and locks $225.00 |
|
|
JEEP CHEROKEE CLASSIC REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS 95-98 $149.99 |
|
|
NEW Genuine GM Door and End Gate Electric Window & Lock Switch PN 15204659 $295.99 |
|
|
71-6 IMPALA DELTA 4 DOOR POWER WINDOWS & LOCKS $295.00 |
|
|
NEW LEXUS RX350 RX450 2010-12 MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK FREE SHIPPING $288.00 |
|
|
NEW LEXUS RX350 RX450 2010-12 MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK FREE SHIPPING $287.00 |
|
|
LateModel Restoration Supply LRS-23394AK Door Lock Actuator & Power Window Motor $273.98 |
|
|
POWER WINDOW + POWER LOCKS + REMOTE START W/KEYLESS $250.00 |
|
|
99 00 01 02 03 Lexus rx300 master window switch door lock OEM $249.00 |
|
|
LEXUS RX300 MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK RX 300 FREE SHIP SILVER SPORT $267.00 |
|
|
Ten Antique Iron Ives Eastlake Window Sash Locks – 1883 $260.00 |
|
|
Ten Antique Iron Eagle Claw Eastlake Window Sash Locks – 1883 $260.00 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×4.5″ BC Set of 2 $255.13 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 5×5.5″ BC Set of 2 $255.13 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x8″ 6×5.5″ BC Set of 2 $255.13 |
|
|
79-86 87-93 Ford Mustang Manual TO Power Door & Window Lock Conversion Harness $225.00 |
|
|
79 88 EL CAMINO MONTE CARLO 442 POWER WINDOWS & LOCKS $225.00 |
|
|
GM MONTE CARLO REGAL EL CAMINO ELECTRIC POWER WINDOW REGULATORS LOCK MOTOR RH LH $225.00 |
|
|
POWER WINDOWS+ POWER LOCKS+ ALARM+REMOTE START+KEYLESS $224.99 |
|
|
International navistar window / door lock switch control $249.69 |
|
|
NEW LEXUS GX460 10-12 MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK FREE SHIP 84040-75040 $247.00 |
|
|
POWER WINDOW + POWER LOCK CONVERSION KIT W/ 2 REMOTES $225.00 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheels 15″x7″ 5×4.75″ BC Set of 2 $243.79 |
|
|
LEXUS RX300 MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK L RX 300 FREE SHIPPING 99 01 03 $242.90 |
|
|
Universal Electric 4 Power Window Motor Conversion Kit+4 Door Lock Kit+Switches $219.00 |
|
|
Habitrail Mini Cube 3 Window 1 Lock Connector x 72 Case $233.00 |
|
|
4 DOOR POWER WINDOW + LOCKS + REMOTE START W/KEYLESS $199.99 |
|
|
4 DOOR POWER WINDOW + LOCKS + REMOTE START W/KEYLESS $199.99 |
|
|
Four Antique Victorian Spring-Loaded Window Sash Locks “Oriental” c1880 $225.00 |
|
|
Mustang Door pull armrest Opal Gray Grey fits 87-93 Manual Windows and locks $225.00 |
|
|
Door, Window & Lock Handle Set for 1968-72 MoPar A-Body $208.99 |
|
|
Door, Window & Lock Handle Set for 1968-70 MoPar B-Body $208.99 |
|
|
COMPLETE WIRE HARNESS LEFT & RIGHT DOOR POWER WINDOW-DOOR LOCKS AND POWER LOCK $195.99 |
|
|
2001-2003 LEXUS LS430 MASTER WINDOW SWITCH LOCK FOUR WAY 514569 $195.00 |
|
|
New 1932 Ford 5-Window OEM RH Truck Door Latch w/ Lock Provision Right-Hand Side $209.99 |
|
|
4 DOOR POWER WINDOW + POWER LOCK KIT W/ KEYLESS REMOTES $189.99 |
|
|
BOMAR HATCH CROME LATCH NEW BOAT MARINE SCREEN WINDOW PORT GLASS VENT DOOR LOCK $199.00 |
|
|
SPAL”COMPLETE” POWER WINDOW + POWER LOCK KIT W/SWITCHES $187.99 |
|
|
WINDOW CASEMENT STAY LOCK PIN AND KEY EB BRASS PLATED + SCREWS ( pack of 100 ) $166.06 |
|
|
04 05 PACIFICA DRIVERS WINDOW SWITCH DOOR LOCK MOPAR NEW #68021455AB $199.99 |
|
|
03 04 05 06 Chevy SSR center console Shift window roof door lock control module $195.00 |
|
|
Antique Brass Window Sash Lock Latches Set 10 Hardware $195.00 |
|
|
Chevy Silkverado door panels and switches for power locks windows $150.00 |
|
|
Driver Side Power Window & Door Lock Switch 04 GMC Envoy OEM $199.99 |
|
|
Black Driver side door from 318ti. Includes locks/window/mirror. Pick up only! $199.99 |
|
|
Ford Mustang LH & RH Window Switch Bezel Plates 1999-2004 (F100,14-10z)(Qty 2) $189.97 |
|
|
Ford Mustang LH & RH Window Switch Bezel Plates 1999-2004 (F100B,14-10z)(Qty 2) $189.97 |
|
|
Ford Mustang LH & RH Window Switch Bezel Plates 1999-2004 (F101,14A-10z)(Qty 2) $189.97 |
|
|
Ford Mustang LH & RH Window Switch Bezel Plates1999-2004 (F101B,14A-10z)(Qty 2) $189.97 |
|
|
04 05 06 LEXUS RX330 RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW LOCK SWITCH $195.00 |
|
|
Ford Mustang 87-93 black door panels power windows and locks Coupe,Lx,Gt,5.0,2.3 $145.00 |
|
|
Mopar 63 64 65 Valiant Rear Window Weatherstrip W/Chrome Locking Strip 2 Door $180.00 |
|
|
08-11 Chevy express savana window regulator lock RR OEM $175.00 |
|
|
1998-to-2003__E320_Wagon__AC Burl Wood A/C__Flasher_Hatch Wiper_Control_MERCEDES $190.40 |
|
|
Cragar Street Lock D Window Black Steel Wheel 15″x12″ 5×5.5″ BC $190.24 |
|
|
GM 15101662 DRIVER POWER WINDOW & DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH $189.95 |
|
|
RV Trailer Camper Bus Tinted Slide Open Lock Window W/ Trim & Screen 55 x 16 $149.99 |
|
|
New GM Truck LH Plate With Lock Window Mirror Switches $170.00 |
|
|
_1998-to-2003__ML_CLASS__Power Window Switch Control Unit__163__Miss-MERCEDES__ $178.40 |
|
|
Autoloc 73RSO Power Window Kit-7 Sw3 Switch-Window Lock with Cases & Lock Switch $175.00 |
|
|
WINDOW/DOOR LOCK INTERIOR SWITCH GM PART NUMBER 25866993 $164.00 |
|
|
144 Packs of 2Pc Sliding Window Locks $172.99 |
|
|
SILVERADO LTZ DOOR SWITCH TRIM CARBON FIBER WINDOW LOCKS TAHOE SIERRA YUKON $155.00 |
|
|
NOS 80-82 CORVETTE POWER DOOR LOCK & WINDOW WIRING L&R $169.95 |
|
|
Door Module Lock Window Pontiac Bonneville 00 01 02 03 04 05 GM OEM New 21999380 $169.95 |
|
|
PKE Remote Door Lock System With Built-In KVW100 Window Module (2002 And Newer) $149.95 |
|
|
LAND ROVER-RANGE ROVER P38 WINDOW REG./MTR ASBLY & LOCK $150.00 |
