For parents, the time between baby and big kid is one of the most precious, but it can also be one of the most precarious. Jerry Seinfeld once said, “Having a two-year old is like having a blender that you don’t have the top for,” and if you have ever spent the day chasing after an energetic toddler then you know what he means! Dr.STITCH knows that keeping your children safe is always a top priority, and extra steps are sometimes needed to keep curious kiddies from getting hurt while exploring and playing. Here are some of our top tips for keeping toddlers safe at home:
Watch Out For New Walkers
From the time they take their first steps, the world becomes a more exciting place for children (and maybe a slightly scarier place for parents). If you have tiny runners in your house, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Take a minute to see things from their point of view. Sit on the floor in each room of your house (even if the room is supposed to be off-limits) and take note of what may be within their reach. Move breakable, sharp, or heavy objects to closets or higher shelves. Install safety covers on electrical outlets.
- Some of the most common accidents we treat at Dr.STITCH are run-ins with furniture. The first year or two of walking can be unsteady, so take precautions by adding corner bumpers and edge guards to tables and anchoring heavy bookcases or media stands to the wall.
We hope that your little one has steady legs and soft landings, but if you do experience an accident, Dr.STITCH can provide on-call treatment for lacerations, facial trauma, and other injuries. Here is one of our STITCH Stories of a little patient we were happy to help:
Bolster Bathroom Safety
Bath time can be so much fun, and a few safety measures can ensure you have more bubbles than boo-boos:
- You already know to never leave little ones unattended at bath time, but falls can happen quickly even when you’re right there. Place non-slip bath mats inside and outside the tub and get a soft faucet cover to protect in the case of a fall against the tub spout.
- The child resistant cabinet locks that worked when junior was a baby may be no match for a toddler who is smarter by the day. Consider moving any harsh cleaners, hot hair styling tools, or medicines to cabinets that are completely out of reach.
Caution in the Kitchen
Depending on how picky your toddler is, you’re probably busy convincing them how delicious broccoli is and wondering how many goldfish crackers are too many in one day, but while you’re in the kitchen, find a few minutes to protect against potential hazards:
- Tablecloths are great for decor, but not so great for little ones. If a child pulls a tablecloth or placemat down, either out of curiosity or in an effort to balance while walking, then any heavy or hot objects that are on top can come crashing down.
- Knobs on the stove can look a lot like fun toys for little hands. Use knob covers to keep kids safe from burns.
- Little ones love to grab onto anything they can reach! To prevent cuts or burns, keep sharp objects, like knives and scissors, in a safe place and turn pot handles on the stove inwards.
We hope that the only accident in your kitchen is spilled cheerios, but if your toddler does take a tumble, we’re here to help. We’re glad that this STITCH Story ended with a smile:
Sleepytime Safeguards
Your child’s bedroom is the place where they are most likely to spend time alone, so take extra care here. Consider these tips in addition to securing any large furniture and child-proofing outlets:
- If your child is still in a crib, but can now stand on their own, make sure to remove any mobiles, hanging decorations, or cords that could be within reach.
- Time for a big kid bed? Use a guardrail to prevent rolling out and consider keeping cushy items like beanbag chairs or floor pillows near the bed to soften any falls that may happen.
If Accidents Happen, Contact Dr.STITCH for Treatment
The experienced plastic surgeons of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group operate Dr.STITCH to provide 24-hour immediate and urgent treatment of lacerations, burns, complex wounds, facial trauma, and hand injuries for children and adults throughout Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan. If accidents do happen, you can call Dr.STITCH – we hope you never need us, but we’re here if you do. Download our contact card to your phone just in case, and enjoy the toddler years!