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Mishaps around the home are the leading reason for death in children in North America. Toddlers in particular are inquisitive and want to investigate their environment with their new found mobility. Sometimes, however, their curious natures cause them some problems.

Most of their injuries, though, can be averted without much effort. All you need to do is implement a few simple safety measures. Here are some toddler safety strategies that will help to childproof your home.

Throughout the Home

* Any pieces of furniture that can tip over without much effort, such as a bookcase, must be attached to the wall with brackets.

* Put covers on doorknobs to keep your toddler out of rooms that present possible hazards. They will also keep him from exiting the house unsupervised.

* If you have blinds on your windows, make sure the cords aren’t looped. If they are, hang them out of reach. Young children have been known to strangle in them.

* Always use protective covers on your electrical outlets. This prevents small fingers and other objects from being inserted into them.

In the Kitchen

The cabinets and drawers in your kitchen must all have safety latches installed. Your child won’t be able to get at the cleaning products, most of which are poisonous if swallowed. It also keeps them from grabbing sharp objects like scissors or knives from inside the drawers.

When you’re cooking, use the rear burners of the oven. Any pots need to have the handles turned inward so your little one cannot take hold of them. If the oven is on, block access to it so your little one will not get burned.

In the Bathroom

You’ll also need safety latches on the cabinets and drawers of your bathroom. Household cleaners and medicines need to be locked away where your child can’t get at them. As soon as you’re done with them, unplug appliances like your curling iron or electric shaver. Store them safely out of a child’s reach.

A toilet latch is vital in order to keep the lid shut. Young kids have a higher center of gravity and can fall into a toilet without much effort if they lean in to play in it. It takes less than an inch of water for a small child to drown. That’s why it’s critical that they always be supervised when in the bathroom.

Take an objective look at your home to spot any other possible sources of danger. Deal with them right away. With these precautions and some common sense, raising toddlers can be easy and fun.

The toddler years play an important role in every aspect of a child’s development. As he or she approaches childhood, your toddler will learn some basic rules of social behavior, and start to make huge developmental strides, both physically and mentally. Find out the best ways to parent your child during these years at The Toddler Website.

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