Toddles on the Move

Toddles on the Move

Toddlers (9-18 months) on the move – safe kids now!
Toddler is Learning
Your baby will become increasingly mobile and start to walk. Your baby will also become very curious wanting to open cupboards, turn switches on and off and seek out items they know exist even if they are hidden from view. At this age your baby will want to -test' everything but putting it in their mouth.

Common Safety Concerns
Choking on unsuitable foods
Falling out of the highchair, shopping trolley or pram and falling down stairs
Scalds caused by baby turning on the hot tap in the bath and slipping over
Pulling saucepans down from the stove spilling hot contents on them
Accessing hazardous poisons, medications and household detergents that were previously out of reach
Burns caused from heaters and fires without appropriate safety guards
Being hit by vehicles in driveways.

Bathing
Install a temperature controlled hot water system. The bathroom hot water should be a maximum of 50 degrees. Talk to a licensed plumber or the Master Plumbers Association for advice
When filling the bath, run the cold water first, then hot, then cold again and mix for an even temperature
Do not put your child in the bath while the water is still running
Always test the temperature of the water before bathing your child, it should be no more than 38 degrees
Always stay with your child when bathing, when household distractions like the telephone or doorbell ring, take your child with you.

Eating
Always harness your baby in the highchair – preferably a 5-point harness with shoulder, waist and crotch strap
Grate or cook hard foods. Remember that small, hard foods can choke a toddler
Always supervise your child while eating

Never pick up and hold your baby while you are holding a hot drink. A spill can seriously scald your child.

Sleeping
Dress your baby in low fire risk clothing, check for fire hazards labels on nightwear
Remove any objects that would allow your baby to climb out of the cot
Remove bib and dummy cords before lying your child down to sleep. They could strangle your baby.

At Play
Never allow your child to play unsupervised with the family dog, particularly when the dog is feeding.

In the Backyard
Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11:30am and 3pm when the risk is highest. Use sunscreen and dress your child in light weight long sleeves and a hat
Create a safe shady play area separated from the pool, driveway and other hazards
Identify any poisonous plants that may be growing in your garden and remove them
Place a wire never over water ornaments like fishpond
Lock up and keep all pesticides, mower fuel, paints and herbicides out of reach of the children
Erect a pool fence with tension adjustable (self-closign) polymer gate hinges and a safe, magnetic gate latch that compiles with Australian Standards. Your local council will advise you.
Check the pool fence and gate regularly and remove objects propped against the fence that allows a toddler to climb over and access the pool.
Empty wading pools after every use and store them upright or deflate them.

Out and About
Use the child restraint in the car on every trip
Never leave a child alone in a car. Heat stress can have serious consequences
Get your child out of the car on the kerb
Supervise your child on play equipment and choose equipment that is appropriate for their size and level of development Be aware of potential risks such as unguarded pools when visiting friends
Little finger scan become trapped in hinges of prams and strollers
Young children often get medicines out of handbags – keep other people's handbags out of reach (particularly grandmothers).

General Tips on Safety
Attach a CPR instruction card to your pool fence
Ensure your child car restraint suits the toddlers size and weight. Have the installation checked by a restraint fitting station
Fence off a safe play area for a toddler that is shaded and well clear of the driveway
Buy or build a lockable cupboard and store all your hazardous chemicals in it to prevent child access
Check with your local council on your pool fence and gate to ensure it meets building regulations
Establish family rules when in or around your pool
Keep toddlers away from dogs when the dogs are being fed
Only buy toys that are suitable for the age and development of your toddler.

For more information:
Your local Maternal and Child Health nurse
Maternal and Child Health line 24 hours: 13 22 29
Your local council for pool fence regulations: Telephone Directory
Royal Life Saving Society of Victoria CPR 03 9568 5822
Littles Child Restraints for correctly installing restrains in cars 1300 728 363
The Royal Children's Hospital Safety Centre for advice on Dogs and Kids 03 9345 5085