Safety

Your toddler does not understand what is dangerous. Their interest in everything around them and their speed at getting places can put them into many situations that are dangerous.

To help reduce the risks of your child hurting themselves, the following checklists may help.

Home safety

• Put all medicines, household cleaners, dishwasher powders, alcohol and garden products out of reach.
• Fit working smoke alarms in your house and check them regularly.
• Attach a fireguard to the wall in front of the fireplace and heaters.
• Keep all matches and cigarette lighters out of reach.
• Dress your toddler in snug (close) fitting night clothes to reduce the risk of fire.
• Keep the electric jug cord out of reach.
• Use a stair guard at the top and bottom of stairs.

Out & about

• Use the car seat that is the right one for your toddler’s size and weight. Make sure it is installed correctly and used for every trip in a vehicle.
• Never leave your toddler alone in the car.
• Fence the outside play area and make sure it is away from the driveway and road.
• Make sure your toddler plays in the shade and wears a sunhat and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in summer. Use sunscreen when playing outside.
• Empty the paddling pool after use.
• Make sure your swimming/spa pool fencing complies with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.
• Don't use baby walkers