Keeping Toddlers Safe – Getting Older Siblings Involved

Families with toddlers know the importance of childproofing. These walking “vacuums” seem to find everything and quickly put it into their mouths.  This is especially worrisome in houses with a toddler and older children, as the older kids usually have toys that are the perfect size for their younger brother or sister to swallow or choke on. 

A helpful strategy that gets your older children involved with both cleaning up their toys and protecting their younger siblings is placing the cardboard center tubes from toilet paper rolls around the house. Teach the older children that if their toys can fit into or through the tube they are the perfect size to be a potential choking hazard for their younger sibling, and need to put out of reach of the toddler. 

Also, with the holidays approaching, I think it is important to remind parents that a well childproofed home sometimes becomes less childproofed during the holiday season.  Decorations, lights, candles, and a Christmas tree can have lots of potential choking and burn hazards.  Watch for batteries that come with all the presents and make sure the tree cannot be knocked over.  Also, make sure to have poison control’s telephone number accessible.

All information given is not a substitute for the advice of your pediatrician, primary care provider or trained health professional.  Always consult with your pediatrician or health care professional.