What You Need to Know About Me

 

By SafeKids/PIO
 October 13, 2009

I’m doing more things on my own now and I love to explore. I can move faster and have lots of energy so you’ll need to be one step ahead of me at all times. I’m still very curious but don’t understand risks and dangers well. I can do more and more each day, but I don’t understand why some things are off-limits.

 

Did you know…?

I imitate older playmates and adults, meaning I will try things that are beyond my physical abilities.

I’m still developing my balancing and climbing skills.

I am likely to lose my balance and fall because I’m top-heavy.

I need supervision—all the time.

I breathe very fast because my lungs are small and still developing.

I can inhale harmful gasses very quickly.

My skin can burn faster than an adult’s because it’s thinner and more sensitive.

I like playing with matches, lighters and other heat sources and I don’t understand that fire can be dangerous.

I may still need to be rear-facing in my car seat

 

Safety Tips Checklist

Preventing Falls

• Install stair gates.

• Use stationary play centers instead of baby walkers

• Use playgrounds that are age-appropriate (for children under 5) and have safe surfacing (shredded rubber, sand, etc).

• Don’t put toys or things that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows and secure it to the wall.

 

Preventing Motor Vehicle Injuries

• Keep your toddler rear-facing until the weight or height limits of the convertible seat have been met. Then use a forward-facing car seat in a back seat of the car. Do not rush to place your child forward-facing.

• Have your car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician to make sure it’s properly installed.

• Walk all the way around your parked car to check for kids at play.

• Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute.

• If a child goes missing, immediately check trunks and cars.

 

Preventing Burns & Scalds

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

• Lock up matches and lighters out of his or her sight and reach.

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

• Make the stove area a “kid-free” zone.f

• Cook with pots and pans on back burners. Turn handles away from the front of the stove when cooking.

• Place hot foods and liquids on the center of the table. Don’t set them on the edges of tables or counters.

 

Preventing Poisonings

• Lock up poisons out of your child’s reach and sight.

• Use child-resistant packages.

• Keep products in their original containers.

• Don’t call medicine “candy”.

Source: Safe Kids

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com