Bounty feature

• Strangulation
• What not to buy
• Buying secondhand
• Check list
• Childproofing reminders
• Iron tablets hazard
• Safety first

• child-resistant tops on medicines, pills and household cleaners aren’t always child-proof. So keep them all out of sight in a locked cabinet
• perfume, aftershave and alcohol are all dangerous for children, so put them well out of reach.

• keep children away from small objects, e.g. DIY materials like screws
• check for loose buttons, bows etc on clothing
• make sure toys don’t have any loose parts which your child could take off and put in his mouth.

• always run the cold water into your child’s bath first, then add hot
• test with your elbow before you put him in the water
• use the back of the cooker hob whenever possible and keep saucepan handles turned away from the front
• if using a microwave to prepare your toddler’s meal, stir thoroughly and leave to stand for a couple of minutes before giving it to your child; microwave cooking can leave ‘hot spots’ that could cause a nasty burn.

• keep children away from sharp objects such as knives and tools
• check toys for or any sharp points and edges.

• dispose of bags safely
• keep plastic bags away from small children.

• the cords for blinds can be a hazard for children, put them out of reach
• be aware of the danger of string, ribbons and curtain loops.

• little fingers can get badly damaged in doors, keep room doors open unless it’s a fire door.

• baby walkers: these make children very mobile and can get them into danger
• baby bath seats: RoSPA feel baby bath seats give some parents a false sense of safety. It’s never safe to leave a child alone in the bath - even for a moment. Remember - a child can drown in as little as an inch of water
• table mounted chairs: these might be attached to unsuitable tables, e.g. glasstopped or light-weight, making the chair unsafe.

Buying secondhand
It’s always safest to buy branded goods from wellknown stores. New products will meet the most up-to-date standards and may be safer. However, secondhand goods and hand-me-downs from friends and family can be useful too.
You just need to take care that they’re undamaged and will still be safe for your child to use.
Check list:

• all fittings are secure
• there are no loose or badly fitting parts
• no bits which could come off which your child could put in his mouth.

• are there safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs?
• are all the floor-level electrical sockets covered?
• are all doors and windows lockable?
• are all possible poisons such as medicines, vitamins, cigarettes, toiletries and other toxic substances out of reach or locked away?
• have you moved poisonous houseplants out of reach or disposed of them?
• are cleaning products like bleach stored high out of reach or locked in a cupboard?
• are there child-proof catches on the fridge and kitchen cupboards?
• are sharp knives stored in a safety-locked drawer or up out of reach?
• have you fixed any loose door knobs or handles?

• keep iron and kettle flexes well out of reach
• don’t carry your child and a hot drink at the same time, and keep hot drinks well away from the edges of tables
• keep hairdryers, toasters, and other appliances unplugged and out of reach.
• And finally, never, ever leave your toddler alone in the bath or near a pool. A child can drown in only a few centimetres of water.

For the next Your Toddler Guide Chapter, Food, Click here