Safety First when Parenting a Toddler

Babyproofing, Active Parenting, Caution with Pets & Water Safety

Apr 30, 2009

The toddler years can be fun and rewarding, but also stressful, as safety considerations become the most important parenting concern.

Toddlers are inquisitive and energetic. They have a knack for getting into things, climbing on furniture and doing any number of other things that make their mother gasp in fear for their safety. The first order of business when parenting a toddler is safety. This is the time to babyproof, be an active caregiver, be cautious around pets and practice water safety.

Babyproofing is for Toddlers

Babyproofing is kind of a misnomer. Until a baby is mobile, there is no need to cover outlets and put away knick-knacks. Toddlers, however, are a different story. They require a high level of babyproofing. Effective discipline starts with effective babyproofing in the toddler years.

It’s easier to watch a toddler in a house that is thoroughly baby proofed. Caregivers need to be active and involved when watching a toddler, but will find it easier when they don’t have to run to rescue a toddler every time he wanders too close to an outlet, as long as it is properly covered.

Be an Active Caregiver when Watching a Toddler

Watching a toddler is not a spectator sport. It can require frequent redirecting and direct supervision. A toddler that is able to climb onto furniture, but has no caution about the edge of the sofa, needs supervision when climbing. Even with a babyproofed house, parents need to watch a toddler at all times.

Be Cautious with Pets and Toddlers

Toddlers can be enthusiastic pet owners. Unfortunately, they don’t know how to touch a pet gently or how to give a dog or cat the space it needs. Always supervise a toddler with a pet. Redirect little hands if they try to pinch, hit or pull a tail. Help a toddler pet the animal gently. If you see that the animal is uncomfortable with a child, separate the two and try again later. Never leave a toddler unsupervised with a dog or cat.

Supervise a Toddler near Water

Whether the water is in a bathtub, pool or toilet, toddlers need a caregiver’s focused attention for safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control, backyard swimming pools are a leading cause of drowning accidents for children aged one to four. It’s common for a child to sneak out of the house and make his way, unsupervised, to the family pool.

To prevent drowning accidents, adults should avoid multi-tasking when supervising a toddler near water. This means no phone conversations or household chores during bath time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents practice touch supervision in and around pools with children younger than five years of age. This means that an adult is within an arm's reach of a child at all times. Family pools should be fenced in with self-latching gates that are inaccessible to children. Parents may also consider alarms that sound when someone has entered the pool area.

Safety is the first consideration when parenting a toddler. This is the time to thoroughly babyproof and to be an active, focused caregiver. Be cautious with pets and toddlers. And, give your child 100% of your attention around water.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Home and Recreational Safety; Water-Related Injuries: Fact Sheet". Website accessed April 30, 2009.

American Academy of Pediatrics. "The Injury Prevention Program; Pool Safety for Children". Website accessed April 30, 2009.

The copyright of the article Safety First when Parenting a Toddler in Parenting Methods is owned by Barb Hacker. Permission to republish Safety First when Parenting a Toddler in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.