Having a well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity especially when you have children. First-aid kits can be bought at drugstores or your local Red Cross office or you can make one of your own. If you decide to make one, make sure you stock up on these following essentials.

A Small Container

First, you need storage for your first-aid kit supplies. You may buy a small plastic or metal lunchbox if you do not have one at home. A lunchbox has a handle which makes the kit easy to tote around. A medium-sized plastic, resealable container (Ziploc) will also work for a first-aid kit.

Dressings

A properly stocked first-aid kit needs a variety of dressings for covering different types of wounds. Store at least five of each items – adhesive bandages, compress dressings, gauze pads, roller bandages, triangular bandages, antiseptic wipes (for sanitizing the wound area before bandaging it), antibiotic wipes and first-aid tape.

Sterile Medical Supplies

Always keep 2 pairs of latex gloves (large) in your first-aid kit. You need to also have a CPR mask with a one-way valve to help a victim who has ceased breathing. Other sterilized medical supplies that should be in your first-aid kit include - scissors, tweezers (to remove splinter and dirt from a wound), soap, topical antiseptic (e.g. Betadine), rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.

Digital Thermometer

Go for a digital thermometer instead of a glass thermometer so you do not have to deal with mercury contamination in case it breaks. Digital thermometers are the easiest to use for fever detection and monitoring.

Secondary Items

Add items such as children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Tylenol, calamine lotion, cortisone cream, bug spray, a lightweight blanket, cotton, cotton swabs, tissues, safety pins, compression wraps (for controlling the spread of swelling and treating muscle pulls) and an ice pack or instant cold pack (to relieve burns, bumps and inflammation).

List of Emergency Numbers

Include the phone numbers of your toddler’s doctor, local Poison Control Center, fire, ambulance, hospital and police services, the home and work numbers of family members, friends and neighbours who can help in an emergency situation.

Child CPR Booklet

Attach a brochure to the inside lid of the kit on how to perform child CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). You can get a free booklet at your local fire station. As much as possible, take a child CPR or emergency training course so you know how to handle an emergency while waiting for medical help to arrive.

Survival Supplies

This one is optional. But, stocking your first-aid kit with survival supplies will be very beneficial especially during larger emergencies such as earthquakes or hurricanes. You do not have to pack a lot, just keep basic survival supplies on hand such as bottled water, non-perishable foods (e.g. canned goods, dry goods like cereal, crackers, trail mix and candies), flashlight, spare batteries, a whistle, can opener and a small radio).

Store your first-aid kit in a place that is out of your toddler’s reach and make sure you regularly check the kit so you can replace missing items or items that may have expired.

A travel system stroller is the most versatile toddler stroller on the market since you no longer have to lug around a car seat and a stroller separately. Here are some factors you should consider before making a purchase.

Weight

A travel system stroller is heavier than traditional strollers. The first thing you should look at when choosing a travel system stroller is the weight. Make sure you check the stroller’s weight capacity. Most travel system strollers have a 30 pound weight capacity, giving it more longevity than standard strollers.

Car Seat

The car seat should click firmly into place. It should be fitted with a 5-point safety harness snaps into the stroller’s base securely. Opt for a travel system stroller with a car seat with several different reclining positions, including a full recline so your toddler can sleep comfortably.

Storage Space

Look for a travel system stroller with a large storage basket underneath. This will make it convenient for you to keep your toddler’s essentials (e.g. diaper, toy, blanket, wet wipes, etc.) as well as your personal essentials (e.g. keys, cell phone, wallet, etc.) within reach. If it has storage pockets in the hood and snack and cup holders (storage trays), the better.

Comfort Level

Choose a travel system stroller model that has a well-cushioned seat. The stroller should have a modifiable sun canopy and footrest. The extra features on travel system strollers can make them very heavy so look for durable, lightweight frames to help minimize the load.

Ease-of-use

Look for a travel system stroller with few mechanisms such as a one handed release and one button locking device so you can easily adjust the stroller. You will do a lot of folding, unlocking and lifting so it is best to go for a travel system stroller that can be easily folded, wheeled around and collapsed to fit into your car trunk or other storage spaces.

Safety

Inspect all the important safety features of the stroller. See to it that the belts that cross the lap and goes between the legs are tight yet comfortable enough for your toddler. Examine how the stroller moves. Test the stroller’s brakes and be sure they are easy to use. Choose solid wheels to make it easier for you to maneuver the stroller whether you are in smooth pavements or uneven terrains. It should also have lockable wheels so that it will not inadvertently collapse and skid while it is not in use.

In addition, make sure to test the stroller’s stability when the car seat is attached. The stroller should not tilt backwards or sideways when the handlebar is lightly pressed. Ensure that the handle is at a comfortable height or can be adjusted to your preferred length.

Travel system strollers are really a cost-effective way to get a car seat and stroller in one purchase. However, not all travel system strollers promise quality. Thus, you should always keep these tips in mind so you can obtain a model that will make you and your toddler’s life as easy as possible.

Tooth decay in children is a common dental problem which occurs because of their love for sweet food and dislike for brushing teeth. Here is some information that will help parents determine the causes, treatment and prevention of tooth decay.

Causes

• Overconsumption of sweet foods like candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, etc.
• Overconsumption of caffeinated drinks.
• Bits of food left on the teeth (the germs “plaque” can turn those small pieces into acid which destroys the tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay).
• Chipped and cracked teeth due to a mouth injury.
• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing teeth frequently and properly).

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom associated with tooth decay is bad breath. Toddlers will experience a change in their mouth odor when teeth are decaying. Other symptoms include – toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, brown patches on the infected area, discharge of blood and pus from the infected teeth and tooth discoloration.

Treatment

Bring Your Toddler To The Dentist

Experts agree that children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. The treatment will vary depending on the severity of the tooth decay. The dentist may perform dental x-rays to examine the extent of the tooth decay of the child. The dentist will clean the toddler’s mouth, eliminate plaque and tartar or fill the cavities with a “filling” (a substance used to replace a decayed portion of the tooth) to keep germs away. In severe cases, the dentist may perform tooth extraction.

Receiving Fluoride Treatments

Brushing and flossing the teeth with baking soda or fluoride toothpaste can help clear the plaque present in the teeth. Children above 6 years old may use fluoride mouthwash. Getting fluoride treatments may also help stop tooth decay.

Prevention

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Teach your toddler to practice good oral hygiene by encouraging your little one to brush his teeth after meals and to regularly floss. If you have a hard time getting him to brush his teeth, turn tooth brushing into a game by taking turns brushing each other’s teeth or singing a song. Make sure to check his work to ensure he did a good job brushing his teeth.

Limit Sugar Intake

Giving your toddler too many sweet and sugary foods lead to faster tooth decay. Offer sweets and sugars occasionally. Substitute them with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, wheat bread and other foods that are yummy, healthy and good for the teeth and gums.

Have A Balanced Diet

Modify your toddler’s diet. Serve him foods such as dairy products like cheese, milk, cereals, eggs, bread, dark, green leafy vegetables, rice, fish, meat and poultry which contain high amounts of vitamins A, C and D, calcium and phosphorus - important nutrients that will help fight prevent gum disease.

Give Your Toddler Plenty of Water

The more water your toddler drinks, the better the saliva production in the mouth. Let your toddler drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help wash away the sugars left on the teeth after eating. Water with fluoride will also help protect your toddler’s teeth from acid production. Never substitute water for juice. Juice has a high sugar content which can increase tooth decay.

Make Dentist Visits Frequent

As soon as your toddler’s first several teeth have sprouted, take him to the dentist on a regular basis (once or twice a year). This way, the dentist will be able to keep your toddler’s teeth in excellent condition as well as give you advice about proper dental care.

Tooth decay in children is preventable. You may actually avert it by helping your toddler practice good dental care and tooth-friendly eating and drinking.

In this modern age, electronics have become an indispensable part of every individual’s life. Children at a very young age even know how to use computers. While computers can help shape the development of toddlers, there are some guidelines that parents should put in to place for kids on computer.

Delay Introduction

Hold off until your toddler is at least 9 months old. Children below 9 months do not have the physical skills to interact with the computer. Your toddler does not have the vision to clearly focus on the screen until he is about 6 months old. Plus, he will not be able to sit up without any support to enjoy the program while you do your work around the house until he is around 6 to 8 months old.

The best way to let your toddler use the computer is when he shows some interest. If your little one constantly points at your computer, bangs on the keyboard, watches you whenever you are using the machine or if he seems responsive (clapping, smiling and laughing), then go for it.

Choose Age-appropriate Programs

Adult games are too loud and violent for your little one. It is best to start with programs designed for young children. Visit online learning game websites such as Fisher-Price, NickJr., Learning Games For Kids, Funbrain, Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, Starfall and Up To Ten.  They have lots of fun and educational games that teaches your toddler the alphabet, numbers, shapes, letter-sound relationships and many more that will surely be helpful for his development.

In addition, make sure that you choose websites with big, clear images so your toddler can easily comprehend what he is seeing.

Focus On Fun Instead of Learning

Generally, toddlers under 4 years old view the computer as another toy so there is no point pressuring your toddler to learn everything he sees in the computer. Instead, think of computer time as a way for you to reinforce your toddler’s skills.

Schedule Computer Time

It is very important that you set a time on how long your toddler can use the computer. For 1 to 2 year olds, they can access the computer for 10 to 15 minutes. For children ages 3 and above, they can use it for an hour. Children who face the computer more than an hour have lesser time available for doing developmental activities such as eating, dancing, singing, playing, sleeping and talking with other people.

Never Leave Your Toddler Unsupervised

Make the most out of computer time by making this an activity where you can bond with your toddler. This way, you will be there to assist your toddler, answer his questions and explain things he may not be able to understand. If you are unable to attend to your toddler while he is using the computer, ask a responsible adult to be with him. Never leave your toddler on his own. The internet is not safe for your toddler to explore and he can be exposed to things that may have a negative effect on him.

As you can see, computers are not entirely bad for your toddler. It can be beneficial for his physical, cognitive, language, motor and social growth given the correct guidance.

Childhood obesity is one common health issue of children. However, many children actually deal with the opposite problem. Underweight children can experience delays in development and health complications. Below are some tips on how parents with underweight children can help.

Consult With Your Toddler’s Pediatrician

Contact your toddler’s pediatrician to determine why your toddler is underweight. The doctor will be able to rule out any underlying health issues such as food allergies, food intolerance or Celiac disease (disorder of the small intestine) that may contribute to his lack of weight gain or weight loss.

Make Mealtimes Relaxing

Pressuring your little one to eat will only cause him to eat less. Never force your toddler to eat when he does not want to. Just let him leave the table. He will eat when he is hungry. As much as possible, eat together as a family. Do not punish him if he does not eat much. Also, make sure to provide a relaxing eating environment. Eat at the dining table and see to it that there are no toys, TV or anything that can distract your toddler.

Let Your Toddler Help You Cook

Another effective technique is to encourage your toddler to participate with meal preparation so he feels invested in the food and will eat more. Just assign him simple tasks such as setting up the dining table, letting him wash the vegetables or passing the ingredients to you.

Offer Small Meals Often

Offer a few extra snacks throughout the day. A toddler who does not like eating a full meal will benefit from eating small yet filling snacks in between meals. Ask your toddler every 2 hours if he is hungry and give kid-friendly foods and drinks such as dried fruit, trail mix, granola bars, cheese, yogurt, crackers, wheat bread spread with tuna or a glass of chocolate milk.

Offer Healthy Foods Your Underweight Toddler Will Eat

Keep in mind that it is your job to provide your toddler foods that will nourish his body. Give him whole milk instead of low-fat milk. Add milk (instead of broth or water), small pieces of vegetables and meat to soup. Spread peanut butter on apples. Stir olive oil into pasta. Grill potatoes and chicken instead of frying them. Slice fruits and vegetables into tiny portions to make a fruit and vegetable salad and create a tasty dip for more flavor. This way, even if he is eating small amounts of food, he still gets the nutrients he needs.

Also, an underweight toddler should never rely on candies, chips, chocolates, cookies and pastries for energy. Substitute these with healthy desserts and snacks such as fruits with whipped cream, frozen yogurt, low-fat muffins and cookies.

Provide Liquid Calories

Give your toddler water, shakes, smoothies and fresh fruit and vegetable juice to increase his calorie intake. Avoid giving him artificial fruit juices which have minimal nutritional value. Make sure you do not give your little one more than 4 to 6 ounces of juice a day as this can fill up an already tiny appetite.

Use A Multivitamin Supplement

Using a multivitamin supplement can also be helpful in making sure your toddler gets all the necessary nutrients he needs until his diet improves. Ask your pediatrician which vitamins are suitable for your little one.

Helping an underweight toddler to gain weight can be a really challenging task. But with a little help from the expert, creativity and a healthy meal plan, your child can gain weight for better health in no time.

Gag reflex is an automatic reaction of the body that helps prevent choking. Children have a gag reflex when the back of the tongue is touched to prevent toddlers from consuming something that could cause them harm. As you introduce solid foods to your toddler, you will have to be cautious about introducing combination baby foods containing meat and vegetable bits.

What Causes This Problem?

Toddlers might gag on something they should not have in their mouths (e.g. toy parts, sequins, buttons, etc.). They might also choke if they eat too fast, have too much food in their mouths or if they do not like the taste or texture of the food they are eating (lumpy foods such as hot dogs, gummy candies, caramel, meat, nuts, popcorn, fruits with seeds and cheese).

Toddlers with chewing and swallowing problems or those who have delays in their motor skills can also experience gagging.

How You Can Help

Help Your Toddler Relax

Encourage your little one to relax during meals. Do not let him play, run around, walk or jump while he is still chewing his food. Do not try to feed him more than he is inclined to. Talk to your toddler about a fun encounter, how his day went, what he did and so on. Play soothing music. Eat beside your toddler. A calm and comfortable eating environment will help your toddler eat slowly.

Add Texture To Your Toddler’s Food

As much as possible, avoid buying store-bought food. Prepare his food yourself so you can control the texture of the food. You can do this by adding graham crackers or wheat germ into your toddler’s smooth food. This will make the food less smooth, but there will be no surprise chunks. Start off slowly, and as your toddler gets used to the new texture, you can add more. This will help your toddler get slowly accustomed to the feeling of texture in his mouth and throat.

Encourage Self-feeding

If your toddler is capable, allow him to feed himself. Children with sensitive gags often do better if they eat on their own. Just teach your toddler to pick up one piece of food at a time and to carefully chew and swallow before placing another piece of food into his mouth.

Play Games That Decrease Oral Sensitivities

If your toddler has no physical problems with the mouth or throat yet constantly gags, there are things you can do to help him adjust. Play face-touching games using a Koosh ball, stuffed toy or warm washcloth. Have him bite on chew toys (teething toys with bumps and different textures). Let him touch your face and guide his hands to the different parts of his body as well. This way, you introduce your toddler to endure facials sensations and make a positive association.

Seek Medical Help

Getting a medical evaluation can resolve this problem. Your toddler’s doctor can check for any physical problems (e.g. esophagus is too narrow or does not function efficiently). If there is a physical problem, the pediatrician can refer you to a feeding specialist who will come up with an individualized program to help reduce your toddler’s gag reflex or your child may need to take medications and undergo therapies.

Gagging is only temporary. It will take time, but with patience and ingenuity, you can help your toddler learn to tolerate textured foods more easily.

Teaching your child to write is no easy task. It is a process that needs to be nurtured through time. But, with your support, patience and determination, you and your toddler can accomplish this. Below are some tips to help you out.

Show It

The first step to encouraging your toddler to write is by writing yourself. Show your little one that writing is fun and important. Write lists, notes and letters in front of your toddler and read them out loud. Give him a paper and a crayon to encourage him to imitate you. Even if he is just scribbling, at least he is able to exercise his handwriting skills.

Provide Manipulative Activities

Make playtime educational by introducing your toddler to fun activities that help improve his manipulation skills. Play with clay. String Cheerios to a piece of yarn or string to make a necklace. Encourage him to construct things using his building blocks. Finger paint together. Help him use safety scissors to cut shapes from paper and pictures from old books and magazines. Doing these activities helps him practice finger and hand movements which helps enhance his manipulative and fine motor skills.

Introduce Writing Materials

After introducing him to activities that promote his writing skills, it is time to present your toddler with writing materials. Give him crayons, coloring books and dot-to-dot books. Keep paper and washable crayons and markers around the house so he can draw and doodle anytime he wants to. Teach your little one how to properly hold a pencil. Help your toddler draw shapes, lines and stick figures. Ask your toddler to write stories about the things he did that day. Let him write cards and notes during holidays and important events (e.g. birthdays, Valentine’s day or a letter for a sick friend). Let him write using sidewalk chalks or on a dry erase board. Praise him for a job well done. Stick his masterpieces to the refrigerator, the wall or frame them to recognize his great work. Be positive and resist the urge to make corrections.

Print Your Toddler’s Name

Keep your toddler interested to write by teaching him how to write his name. Guide his hands so he can write the letters of his name on a piece of paper. Better yet, print his name as an outline. You may use Microsoft Word or Microsoft Paint to do this. Just choose a large font, select outline and then print it. This will make it easier for your toddler to focus in between the lines while he follows the outline of the letters in his name.

Read Aloud

Reading is a very effective way to teach a toddler to write. Read a book every day. Pick out books that contain colorful images and bright, short phrases. Good examples are the alphabet and number book. Read these books to your toddler and repeat it. This will make it easier for your toddler to recognize the letters and numbers and soon start writing them.

Remember that learning should always be fun and exciting, and with the help of these methods, your toddler will learn how to write in no time.

Toddler furniture comes in different styles, shapes and sizes. But, there are some toddler furnitures that prove to be indispensable. Below are five toddler furnitures that should be present in every child’s bedroom.

Toddler Bed

Once your little one is too big for the crib or he begins to climb out of the crib, it is time to shift to a new bed. A toddler bed is smaller than a standard bed that gives your toddler the freedom to get in and out of bed without you having to worry if he is going to hurt himself. There are different types of toddler beds you can choose from:

• Platform Bed – for toddler room’s with small space
• High Sleeper Bed – a space saver bed wherein drawers, computer desks, chairs, etc. fit in the space underneath this bed, comes in various colors and shapes and can also be decorated in a variety of ways
• Car Bed  - a favorite of children, this bed is made in the shape of a car that comes in different shapes and sizes
• Sleigh Bed – a bed that has a curved headboard and footboard giving the bed a regal and elegant look, can also incorporate features such as drawers and shelves for extra storage space

Dresser

Storage is essential. It provides a space for everything in the bedroom and it encourages your toddler to clean up and keep his room tidy. Dressers are available in different styles and colors so you can get one that will complement your toddler’s bedroom. A dresser made of wood is the most durable as it is lighter and less likely to break or collapse. A wooden dresser also matches most themes and colors of a room. Some kids’ dressers also come with a nightstand, headboard, desk or storage chest. Make sure you choose a dresser with rounded corners and wooden knobs to avoid any mishaps.

More Storage Pieces

You will need a range of storage pieces so you can keep your toddler’s room in tiptop shape. Toy boxes are ideal for storing your toddler’s toys and other knickknacks. Cupboards, drawers and wicker baskets can all be added to your toddler’s room for functionality and effect.

Play Table and Chairs

A play table and a couple of chairs are essential items every toddler room must have. This will divide the room into two – sleep area and play area. The play tables and chairs are especially designed for children providing your little one a space where he can safely and comfortably play.

Bookcase

Go for a bookcase that has several cubicles that can fit the books as well as small storage bins and baskets to create more space in the room. Opt for a vertical bookcase instead of a horizontal one so your toddler can easily reach every shelf without trying to climb on the furniture.

A toddler’s room should be kept as simple as possible. After all, your little one will spend a lot of time sleeping, playing and learning in this area and a wide, spacious room allows him to do all these things freely.

Co-parenting is a parenting situation where the parents are not in a marriage but still seeks to maintain equal responsibility for the child’s upbringing. Co-parenting is good since it keeps both parents in a child’s life. However, in order for it to be successful, it must be done correctly. Here are some ways on how to raise children through co-parenting successfully.

Separate Feelings From Behaviour

It is okay to be hurt and mad, but you should never trash talk your ex. You might think that your 4-year old toddler is not listening or cannot understand, but he probably is digesting your words. Never vent your frustrations to your toddler and keep your negative emotions at bay. Focus on your child instead. Prioritize your toddler’s interests.

In addition, never make your toddler feel that he has to choose between mommy and daddy or make him your messenger as this puts your toddler in the center of your conflict. You and your ex-spouse both have equal rights. If you need to tell the other parent something, talk to your ex yourself.

Communicate With Your Ex

Communication with your ex is imperative to the success of co-parenting. Keep in mind that you are doing this for your toddler’s well-being. You do not have to be friends with your ex to do this. Just compromise so the two of you can meet halfway. Make requests and listen. Establish rules (e.g. when, where and how often the other parent can visit your toddler, if your child can stay over the other parent’s home over the weekend, parenting style, discipline, schedule, etc.). By raising your toddler with consistency, you help make the transition easier from home to home.

Create A Leaving and Returning Routine

Moving from one household to another can strain a toddler. This transition is a major change in your child’s reality. But there are many things you can do to help your toddler adjust with this set-up. When your toddler leaves your home for your ex’s, help him anticipate change by reminding your toddler that he will be staying in the other parent’s house for a day or two. Be positive about it and reassure him that he will have a lot of fun. Help him pack his bag. Packing comfort items like a favorite stuffed toy or a photograph will make your little one more at ease. Drop off your toddler at the other parent’s house.

When your toddler returns, keep things low key by establishing a special “return” routine. Read a book together, cook him his favorite food or talk about his short trip. If he knows what to expect when he leaves and returns to you, the transition will be successful.

Give Your Toddler Space

When two people decide to divorce, the children are the ones who suffer the most. Thus, a child needs a little time to adjust to the change. Give your toddler his own space at home. Create a spot where he can do things on his own without distractions. In time, things will go back to normal.

Affirm Your Love

Most importantly, see to it that you assure your toddler that mommy and daddy still and will always love him even if mommy and daddy are no longer together. Sometimes, children with divorced parents feel like they are responsible for the split-up so ensure that you and the other parent shower your toddler with love and affection.

Co-parenting is a challenge. But, with your dedication and focused attention, you can build a successful co-parenting relationship so you and the other parent can raise a happy and healthy toddler together.

Toddlers have busy hands. They like touching, reaching and putting anything their hands can grab into their mouths. Thus, the reason why toddlers have a high possibility of choking on food and small objects. Below are some safety precautions you need to follow in order to protect your toddler from these choking hazards.

Pay Attention

Supervise your toddler every time he is eating or drinking. Teach him to chew and swallow his food before talking or laughing. See to it your toddler is seated while eating. Do not let him run, walk, climb or throw food in the air and catch it with his mouth. Store chokable foods in an area your toddler cannot reach.

Mash, Grind and Chop

Always cut up your toddler’s food into bite-size pieces before serving it to him. Puree and chop hotdog, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and cheese into small portions. This will make it easier for the food to go down the trachea (windpipe).

Accurately Time Introduction of Solid Foods

Now that your little one is eating solids, you have to be very meticulous of the food you will serve. See to it that he has the motor skills to swallow to prevent choking. Do not give your toddler any hard, smooth foods if he is below 4 years old as this can partially or completely obstruct the trachea. Avoid giving him the following:

• Hard candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Fruits with pits
• Unpeeled fruits (e.g. apple and pear)
• Soft foods (e.g. bubble gum, caramel, marshmallow, jelly or gummy candies)
• Peanut butter
• Sausages
• Raw celery, carrots and peas

Read

See to it that you read all manufacturers’ food labels cautiously to find out if it contains ingredients that pose choking hazards. Also, be wary of foods with labels that says “100% organic”, “all-natural” or “no preservatives”. Not all of them are honest.

Evaluate Your Toddler’s Toys

Look for age guidelines when buying toys for your little one. Some toys contain small parts that can cause suffocation, so make sure you read and understand everything that is written on a toy’s packaging. Do not forget to inspect the item as well. In addition, check your toddler’s toys regularly to ensure they are in excellent condition. Some of his toys may have loose parts like a busted plastic hinge, chipped paint, loose eyes or cracked parts that may need repair or has to be thrown away.

Properly Store Small Objects

Get on your hands and knees and check the floor and tables for small items that could pose a choking risk such as  buttons, batteries, coins, clips, safety pins, small balls and toys, bolts and screws or any object smaller than 1 ¼ inches. You can buy a small object choking tester or use an empty toilet paper roll to help you assess the safety of an object. If it fits into the cylinder, it is a choking hazard. Keep these harmful objects in a container and place them in a cabinet with a lock. Also, make sure you keep hazardous household items like detergent, toilet cleaner, fertilizers and other products with chemicals out of your toddler’s reach.

Your toddler’s safety is your number one priority and the best way to ensure that is to childproof your home so you can provide your precious one a haven where he can explore safely.