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Summer Safety for Toddlers

Make Your Backyard a Danger-Free Zone

All pesticides and other chemicals should not be used near your child. If you must use them, read the warning labels very carefully to find out when your child should enter the area you are treating again. Store all chemicals (including fertilizers, pool chemicals and pet products) in a locked cabinet.

 

If you have a deck or stairway outside, make sure the railings are no more than 4 inches apart. If they are, nail up lattice or netting so that your child won't be tempted to stick his head or other body parts through and get stuck. Decks and pool sides can become incredibly slippery when wet, so be sure to teach your child not to run in these areas.

 

Swingsets and other play equipment can rust and deteriorate over the winter months. Be sure to check all bolts, screws and fittings each spring before use. If you plan to buy a swing for a tree or swingset, be sure to buy lightweight plastic ones that won't hurt a child if it strikes him. Rope or tire swings in trees should be able to hold an adult's weight (if more than one child gets on the swing, it could be a problem) and should swing freely in all directions.

To ease falls, consider placing 8 to 10 inches of wood chips under and around all play equipment.

 

Toddlers can drown in just a few inches of water, so always supervise your child when in or around a pool. Even kiddie pools can be dangerous. Empty all pools and large basins (like a large water tub for dogs) when not in use. Larger pools should be fenced and the gates should swing closed by themselves and have locks. Carefully scrutinize all fenced areas to make sure kids can't climb through or over the fence at any point.

 

Want to see more?

• Please Don't Eat the Daisies
• Savvy Sun Sense
• Poison on the Playground: Should Parents Be Concerned About Treated Wood?
• From One Mom to Another: Communicate to Prevent Drownings
• Talk about it!