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Safe Steps for Toddlers
Going Beyond Basic "Baby Proofing"
By Kelly Burgess
Lynn Morley of Belton, Mo., the mother of an infant and a toddler, has found that sometimes the best course is to rearrange her kitchen for safety rather than convenience. This may be necessary throughout the home for older or more determined toddlers.
"My son is tall and can reach most anything on the counter," says Morley. "If he can't he drags a chair over and climbs on it to get what he wants. We try to teach him what is safe and what is not, but we also have locks on the cabinets that contain cleaners, and we place other items, such as steak knives, scissors – and even the salt and pepper shakers – out of his reach."
Morley also has made identification tags for both of her children with their picture, name, address, phone number, parents' names, physician contact information, blood type and other medical conditions. The tags are attached to their diaper bags and car seats. If there is ever an accident or emergency when they're out, that information is right at hand.
There's no substitute for close supervision, but safety-proofing and being cognizant of the biggest safety hazards for toddlers can go a long way toward minimizing accidents.