12 Months - 2 Years: Early Toddler Safety Guide

Bathtub spouts have hard edges and can cause head injuries when toddlers slip or fall in the tub. Metal spouts are typically at head height for seated toddlers, and bathroom falls on wet surfaces are common. Padded spout covers cushion impacts and can also prevent burns from hot metal spouts and reduce the risk of toddlers turning on water themselves.

Hair dryers left plugged in near water sources pose electrocution risks, especially if dropped into sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. Toddlers may turn on hair dryers and place them near their face causing burns, or wrap cords around their necks. All bathroom electrical appliances should be unplugged and stored when not in use, and bathrooms should have GFCI outlets.

Toddlers at this age are drawn to water and can drown in as little as 2 inches of water within minutes. Their top-heavy body proportions mean they can easily tip headfirst into a toilet and lack the strength or coordination to pull themselves out. Bathroom access should be restricted, and toilet lids should have childproof locks to prevent both drowning hazards and accidental injuries from lid slams.

Toddlers can become entangled in drapery cords, blind pull cords, or curtain tie-backs during play, leading to strangulation. These accidents happen quickly and silently, often when a parent is in an adjacent room. Continuous loop cords are particularly dangerous as a child's head can slip through and become trapped. For child safety, secure curtain loop cords above the height children can reach whenever blinds are in the open position.

Fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters that are in use have surfaces that can reach temperatures high enough to cause severe burns on contact. Toddlers are drawn to the warmth and light but cannot judge safe distances or understand that touching hot surfaces causes pain until after injury occurs. Burns from these sources often require hospitalization and can cause permanent scarring. The glass in front of gas fireplaces can also become dangerously hot, which is why manufacturers now require screens in front of the glass.

Toddlers can push through or fall against standard window screens, which are designed only to keep insects out, not to prevent falls. Falls from second-story windows can cause traumatic brain injuries or death, and toddlers often climb on furniture near windows without understanding the danger. Window guards or locks that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches are essential.

Hand sanitizer contains 60-95% alcohol and is toxic if ingested, with just a few squirts potentially causing alcohol poisoning in toddlers. The sweet smell and gel consistency make it appealing to young children who may suck it from their hands or drink it directly. Sanitizer should be used under supervision, stored out of reach, and toddlers' hands should be watched until the product dries completely.

Laundry rooms often contain multiple hazardous chemicals that toddlers can access, including detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and stain removers. Ingestion can cause chemical burns, poisoning, or respiratory damage. Liquid detergent packets are particularly dangerous and have caused thousands of poisonings in young children.

Coins and buttons are common choking hazards found in purses, pockets, couches, and floors that toddlers readily put in their mouths. Button batteries are especially dangerous as they can cause severe chemical burns to the esophagus if swallowed, even if they're "dead" batteries. Regular floor checks and keeping purses secured can prevent toddler access to these items.

Foods that are round, firm, or can conform to the shape of a child's throat are high choking risks for toddlers who don't yet chew thoroughly. Grapes, hot dogs, cherry tomatoes, and similar foods should be cut lengthwise into quarters, and other hazards include popcorn, nuts, raw carrots, and hard candy. Toddlers should always be seated upright while eating and supervised, never eating while running, playing, or riding in a car.

Purses, diaper bags, and visitors' bags often contain medications, vitamins, or supplements that toddlers can access when bags are left on floors or low furniture. Children can easily open non-safety pill bottles and access dangerous quantities of medication. Many medications and supplements resemble candy, making them particularly appealing to young children. All bags should be hung on hooks or placed on high shelves, and guests should be reminded to keep purses secured.

Brightly colored detergent pods resemble candy to toddlers and are often stored in lower cabinets. Biting into a pod can cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and esophagus, as well as respiratory distress. The concentrated detergent can also cause serious eye injuries if a pod bursts.

Toddlers can reach stove knobs and turn on burners or gas, creating fire and burn hazards or gas poisoning risks. Their curiosity about cause-and-effect makes knobs particularly appealing to twist and turn. Toddlers cannot understand the danger of fire or hot surfaces and may place hands directly on active burners.

Toddlers can become trapped inside refrigerators or freezers if they climb inside, and the airtight seals prevent them from opening doors from the inside. Suffocation can occur within minutes, and cold temperatures can cause hypothermia. Old refrigerators with latching handles pose an even greater risk and should never be left accessible.

Balconies pose severe fall risks for toddlers who can slip through railings, climb on furniture placed near edges, or attempt to climb railings themselves. Falls from second-story or higher balconies often result in serious injury or death. Balcony doors should have locks or security bars that toddlers cannot operate, furniture should be kept away from railings, and netting or plexiglass barriers may be needed for balconies with wide railing spacing.

Deck railings with spacing greater than 4 inches between balusters can allow toddlers to slip through and fall, potentially from significant heights. Toddlers can also get their heads stuck between railings that are too wide, leading to strangulation if their body weight pulls them down. Horizontal railings create a ladder effect that toddlers will climb, increasing fall risk even with proper spacing.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 years, with most drownings occurring in residential pools during brief lapses in supervision. Toddlers are drawn to water but cannot swim and will silently slip under the surface within seconds. Fencing that separates the pool from the house and yard with self-closing, self-latching gates is essential.

Toddlers in this age range still need rear-facing car seats (recommended until at least age 2), and harness straps must be snug and properly positioned. Loose harnesses allow excessive movement during crashes that can cause internal injuries or ejection from the seat. The chest clip should be at armpit level, and you should not be able to pinch excess webbing at the child's shoulder. Appointments can be made with many local police departments to examine the car seat for proper and secure installation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. Rear-facing seats provide better protection for the head, neck, and spine in a crash.