If you are a first-time mom, you are always in a state of constant worry and panic especially with a toddler around. A toddler is between one to three years old. Toddlers are innately curious and headstrong. They do not have a sense of what is safe and dangerous yet. On top of that, they are naturally active and mobile.
As a mom, you always worry because you know there are many perils inside your home. The moment he learns how to walk, you have no option but to support his explorations. The good news is that there are some things that you can consider to ensure that your little one can explore in complete safety. Here are some safety measures that you need to consider for your toddler:
Ensuring that the crib is secure
You have to know there is no set time when you need to replace your baby’s crib with a regular/toddler bed. However, most children make the switch sometime between ages one-and-a-half and three-and-a-half. It is recommended to wait until your child is close to three since little ones are not ready to make the transition yet.
If you think that your toddler is not yet ready for a regular bed, you should ensure that his crib is safe. Here are some tips to ensure that the baby’s crib is safe:
- When choosing a crib with bars, ensure that it is no more than 2 to 3/8 inches apart.
If the space is too wide, he can slip through or strangle between it. Utilize a ruler to check the space between the bards. If the bars are too far apart, you can weave a cloth between.
- Do not consider a crib with corner posts that stick up. Keep in mind that corner posts can catch on items that can potentially wrap his neck or catch on his clothing. If the crib comes with corner posts that stick up, it is best to unscrew it or saw them.
- When it comes to the mattress, it should fit snugly against the sides of his crib. If there is a space between, he can suffocate if his head or body is compressed between the sides of the crib and the mattress. No more than two fingers should fit between the side of the crib and the mattress. If the mattress is too small, you should fill the gaps with rolled towels.
- Keep the crib away from any electric cords. If there is a cord, you should tie up the cords, so they are out of his reach. Remove strings on crib toys as it can potentially get around his neck. Additionally, keep the crib away from drapes and curtains.
- If you have stairs, properly install toddler gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Ensure that the gates do not have big spaces between the slats as children can get trapped in the opening.
Wemomslife: purchasing the right toys
Toddlers love to play. Here are some tips to ensure that their toys are safe:
- When shopping for toys, it is crucial that you choose carefully. Inspect if the toy is sturdy and if it is age appropriate and “non-toxic.”
- Do not consider toys that have small parts and sharp edges. Avoid buying marbles, balls, games having balls and other toys that have parts smaller than 1¾ inch in diameter. If swallowed, young children can choke.
- It is the nature of young children to pull and twist toys. With this, look for toys with tightly secured parts.
Making bath time safe
Children can drown even in very little water. With this, wemomslife highly recommends that you always stay with your child when he is in the bathtub. Whatever happens, do not leave him alone. Here are some tips to make bath time safe:
- Test the water first before putting the toddler in the tub. This is important because young children have tender skin and it can be easily burned if the water is too hot.
- Keep the electrical items like hair dryers away from the water. If you are not using them, do not forget to unplug it. Plugged things can cause electric shock if they fall into the bathtub.
Always keep in mind that accidents in the home are a common reason for hospital admission in the toddler years. Knowing this, you need to ensure that every nook is safe. Focusing on home safety will surely give you much-needed peace of mind when it comes to your toddler. Remember that prevention is better than cure.