• Falls are the most common accident that can lead to death in toddlers, accounting for more than 40% of all accidental deaths among this age group.
• Drowning is another major cause of death among toddlers, accounting for nearly 25% of all accidental fatalities in this age group.
• Fire-related incidents can also be a major threat and account for more than 10% of accidental deaths among toddlers in the U.S. each year.
• Poisoning/choking hazards are another significant threat, with over 10% of accidental death cases involving ingestion and more.
Millions of women give birth in the U.S. annually. However, these toddlers are vulnerable to different health risks that can affect their development. Low birth weight, prematurity, and congenital anomalies are some of the newborns’ most common health issues. However, these aren’t the worst problems that parents have to face. One of the leading reasons for infant deaths is accidents.
Accidents and Infants
Accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury among young children in the United States. It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 deaths come from unintentional injuries. These injuries have many forms. Here are some of the most common accidents that occur to toddlers and how parents can use preventative measures to protect their children.
Falls
According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls account for more than 40% of all accidental deaths among toddlers in the U.S. This is not surprising, considering that toddlers are just learning to walk and climb and are often unsteady on their feet. Therefore, parents should be especially vigilant regarding stairs or other potentially hazardous areas where a toddler could fall from a height.
Drowning
Drowning is another major cause of death among toddlers, the sixth most common reason when it comes to accidental fatalities in this age group. Again, this is not surprising, considering that water can be dangerous for toddlers still learning to swim and may not understand basic safety rules, such as never swimming alone or without an adult present. Consequently, it is vital for parents to closely monitor their children at all times when they are near water or participating in any aquatic activities.
Burns
Unsurprisingly, fire-related hazards pose a significant risk, with fire-related incidents accounting for more than 10% of accidental deaths among toddlers in the U.S. each year.
Therefore, parents should ensure that any open flames (candles, stoves) are always out of reach of their young ones and that they have smoke alarms installed throughout their homes so that they can be alerted if there is ever a fire hazard present. Additionally, any hot liquids should also be kept away from curious hands as burns/scalds frequently occur due to contact with dangerous substances such as boiling water or oil used for cooking.
Poisoning and Choking Hazards
Finally, poisoning/choking hazards pose another significant threat, with over 10% of accidental death cases involving ingestion of poisonous substances or choking on small objects such as toys or food items like nuts or grapes, which can get lodged in a toddler’s throat if swallowed incorrectly or too quickly. Parents should therefore ensure that any potentially toxic substances remain out of reach at all times and that their child does not have access to small objects which could pose a choking hazard if ingested improperly.
Preventing Accidents
Following the tips above may not be enough to stop accidents from occurring in your households. here are some additional tips to keep your baby safe from any accidents in the future.
Remodel Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in a home, especially for toddlers. Your kitchen cabinets should get first priority when it comes to this. Hiring an experienced kitchen cabinet remodeling service can help ensure that your cabinets are childproofed and safe for a toddler. They can also help you make other suggestions to keep your kitchen safe for a toddler, such as keeping knives and chemicals out of reach or installing cabinet locks.
Cover Outlets
Another way to keep your toddler out of harm’s way is by covering any open outlets in your home. This will prevent them from sticking their fingers or other objects into the outlet, which could lead to an electric shock. Look for outlet covers that are designed specifically for toddlers and install them on all exposed outlets in your home, including those near the ground.
Install Window Guards
Windows are a frequent source of danger for toddlers, as they can easily fall out if there is no guard present. Therefore, you should install window guards on all windows in your home that are within reach of your toddler to prevent them from accidentally falling out and hurting themselves.
Accidents can be prevented if parents are vigilant and proactive in protecting their children from harm. Following the tips outlined above can help you ensure that your toddler is safe from any potential hazards in your home, helping you sleep soundly knowing that they are as safe as possible.
