Whatever the season, your toddler can acquire bites and stings. These can cause momentary pain and discomfort, making them a nuisance. But thankfully, you can minimize and keep your toddler safe from bites and stings. Here are some tips you should keep in mind.

Animal Bites

It has been reported that almost half of the 800,000 people who received medical attention for animal bites every year are children. Your toddler can get rabies infection if the animal that has bitten him is unvaccinated. He can get it from common house pets such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters as well as from wild animals such as bats, coyotes and raccoons.

Prevention

• Never leave your toddler unsupervised.
• Make sure your house pet has been vaccinated.
• Enroll your pet in a basic obedience training class.
• Teach him not to touch animals, come near them (especially when they are eating and sleeping), feed them and not to make impulsive actions (putting face close to an unknown animal, hugging, kissing, pushing, squeezing ears or pinching) that may startle the animals without your permission.
• Tell your toddler not to run if a strange animal comes near him. Teach him to stand still, avoid eye contact and to slowly back off once the animal stops paying attention to him.

Bee and Wasp Stings

Bees and wasps have a stinger that releases venom that can cause an allergic reaction which can be deadly. When stung by a bee or wasp, the stinger should be removed as soon as possible. The stinged area will look red, swollen and itchy and this can last for a few days.

Prevention

• Dress your toddler in pastel-colored, solid clothing. Dark, brightly colored clothes or printed clothes attract bees.
• Make sure he wears shoes when playing outside.
• Do not use scented soaps, lotion and other body products on your little one since scent is a magnet for bees.
• Refrain from giving your toddler a drink when outside. If you must, see to it that the drink is closed. A bee could get inside and sting him when he takes a drink.
• Always keep your toddler close to you when outside, especially near flowers, orchards and trees.

Insect Bites

Children are very prone to insect bites. Insects (mosquitoes, spiders and ticks) are everywhere, whether your toddler is at home, at the park or at the beach. Usually, the reaction is a mild one. But, in some cases, it can lead to an allergic reaction especially if your toddler keeps on scratching his bites or if he is very sensitive to insects.

Prevention

• Dress your toddler appropriately (long sleeves, pants, socks and closed shoes).
• Apply insect repellent to your toddler’s clothes and the exposed skin area (except for his hands and face).
• Get rid of any stagnant water or avoid going near woodpiles, canals, water holes and garbage areas as they are a breeding ground for insects.
• Fix torn screens and windows in your home.
• Clean your home regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up webs, spiders, ticks and their egg sacs.
• Teach your toddler to shake out his clothes, shoes and beddings before using them.
• Use a natural bug killer (safe for children) to eliminate unwanted pests in and around your home.
• Check your pet for fleas.

Yes, you can never completely safeguard your toddler from bites and stings. But, it would be very helpful if you follow preventive measures and teach your toddler what to do. Remember,  “Prevention is better than cure.”.

Most children love watching and helping their parents in the kitchen. Thus, it is very important for parents to teach their toddlers the value of safe cooking. Here are some easy-to-follow tips about kitchen safety for kids.

Keep Your Kitchen Child-friendly

The kitchen is probably the most unsafe place in your home so it is good to be conscious of the hazards so you can try to minimize them. Before you start cooking with your little chef, make sure the kitchen is as safe as possible. That means:

• The floor should be dry and free from spills and blockages to avert tripping or skidding.
• Small appliances should be kept away from water.
• Cover all unused outlets with plastic outlet covers.
• Check cords to ensure they will not spark and keep electrical cords out of reach.
• Sharp utensils and chemicals (e.g. bleach, disinfectant, detergent, etc.) should be properly put away in a safe and locked cupboard.
• Keep pan or pot handles to the side or back of the hub to avoid burning or scalding.

Watch Your Toddler

When you are working with a toddler in the kitchen, anything can happen, so see to it that you keep a close eye on him and never leave him alone while food is cooking. Your toddler can cut himself with a knife or knock oil into the stove and start a fire when left unattended.

Provide Your Toddler Kitchen Utensils Designed For Children

Use age-appropriate cooking materials so your toddler can use them easily and safely. Use plastic or rubber utensils, measuring cups, mixing bowls and other cookware items that are lightweight. Lightweight products are safer for your little one, unlike a heavy glass bowl, when dropped, can cause disastrous kitchen accidents. Buy him a cutting board that will not skid around and kitchen knives for children like the Curious Chef Nylon Knife Set which are very safe, BPA-free and are approved by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).

Give Limits

Yes, allowing your little one to help you in the kitchen is a fun way to bond but make sure you inform him what he can and cannot do. Let him know that sharp objects and the stove, oven and other appliances are off-limits. Do not let him help you cook anything on the stove nor assist you in using appliances (e.g. microwave, mixer or blender). Be clear about when it is okay and not okay to stick and lick fingers and that he should never touch anything if his hands are wet.

Teach Your Toddler To Clean Up

Ensure that your toddler washes his hands before and after handling food and utensils. Teach him the significance of cleaning up spills and messes as they occur. Messes and spills are hazards for slipping and they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep a mop or a towel handy for easy cleanups.

Explain

Never assume your toddler understands kitchen products or will know what to do in the kitchen. Take the time to explain the function of the kitchen, the use of each product, the proper way to use them and what will happen in case he plays with them. Also, teach your toddler what to do in case accidents happen (e.g. cuts, scalding or fire).

By following these safety guidelines, cooking with your toddler will be enjoyable and safe.

Contaminated food can cause mayhem to little tummies. Hence, food safety at home should be every parent’s priority. It is easy to prevent food poisoning in your home by following these tips.

Practice Handwashing

The number one cause of food poisoning is poor handwashing. Train your toddler to wash his hands, use soap and rub his hands together for at least 20 seconds before and after eating, after using the restroom and after playing. Your toddler’s busy hands will come into contact with germs and once he places his hands inside his mouth, there is a 90% chance for him to get sick. Of course, do not forget to wash your own hands as well especially before cooking and after handling raw foods such as chicken, fish and meat.

Cook Food Thoroughly

Toddlers have sensitive tummies and eating raw and uncooked food will truly result to stomach aches. Keep in mind that contaminated food often looks and smells normal. Use a food thermometer to test if the fish, chicken, meat and poultry are cooked to a safe temperature. Make sure to place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food and away from the bone. You can eliminate harmful organisms in most foods by cooking them to temperatures between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Certain Foods

Food poisoning is very common to young children since they have undeveloped immune systems. Avoid giving the following foods to your little one:

• Undercooked eggs
• Soft cheeses (brie, feta and blue-veined cheeses)
• Certain seafoods such as clam, mussel, oyster, scallop and shellfish
• Raw meat and chicken
• Unpasteurized (failure to undergo in the process of food heating) milk and milk products

Portion Food Accordingly

Divide your toddler’s food into small containers. This way, the untouched food can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Allow warm leftovers to cool down a bit before placing it in the refrigerator. Make sure to put it away within two hours. The refrigerator should be cold enough (at least 40 degrees or below) to slow down the growth of bacteria. If you have to re-heat his food, only warm up enough for your toddler to eat at that sitting.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

So you have followed the tips above, but have you checked your kitchen? Bacteria can live on kitchen surfaces and spread to other foods so make sure you clean your kitchen. Wash cooking utensils carefully before and after use. Do not use the same knife and chopping board to slice raw fish and then fresh fruits for dessert. Scrub the countertop, kitchen sink and kitchen utensils with hot soapy water. Wash your towels often and replace the sponge every few weeks.

Throw It Out

If you are unsure if the chicken sandwich you prepared for your toddler is safe, discard it. Remember, if you are in doubt, throw it out. Just prepare a new one for your little one.

Food safety at home all boils down to cleanliness, proper preparation and correct storage to keep your youngster’s tiny tummy safe and healthy.

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.

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.

No childhood will be complete without toys. However, toys also pose a safety risk, so it is very important that you chose them carefully. Here are some toy safety tips you must keep in mind.

Are The Toys Age-appropriate?

Check the “recommended age” sticker of toys. Toys must be suited to your toddler’s developmental level. Be rational about your toddler’s abilities when choosing his toys. Here is a guideline you should keep in mind when buying toys for toddlers:

• If a toy can fit through the hole a toilet paper roll, it is not safe. Small toys like balls, marbles, coins or any toy smaller than your toddler’s mouth should be avoided as they pose a choking risk. Your toddler might put them in his mouth and they can get stuck in the throat and restrict breathing.
• Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with bolts so that your toddler cannot pry them open. Exposure to batteries and battery fluid can cause choking, chemical burns and internal bleeding.
• Riding toys like rocking horses, scooters and wagons should come with safety straps and be steady and secure enough to avoid tipping.

Do Toys Meet Safety Standards?

Toy manufacturers follow certain guidelines, but not all of them have passed toy testing standards. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely examines and regulates toys. The CPSC imposes the following rules:

• Toys should have no lead and phthalates higher than .1%.
• Toys made of fabric should be washable and labelled as flame retardant (flame resistant).
• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
• Art materials should be tagged “non-toxic”.
• Crayons and other coloring materials should have an “ASTM D-4236” seal on the package, which means that they have been screened by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Are The Toys In Good Condition?

As much as possible, avoid giving your toddler hand-me-down toys. Although they are cost-effective, they may not meet present safety standards and may have loose parts that could easily be chewed or ripped off which can put your toddler’s safety at risk.

Are The Toys Well Put Together?

Make sure there are no sharp edges, cracks, chipped paint, magnets, buttons and cords or strings longer than 12 inches and anything else your child could snap off and put in his mouth.

Are The Toys Too Heavy?

Yes, big or large-sized toys will not go into your toddler’s mouth but there is a possibility that your toddler will get hurt if they fell on him. Avoid toys twice his size or those that are too heavy for your little one. Do not buy your toddler a bike one size too big as this can lead to serious injuries especially if your toddler does not have the physical skills to control a bigger bike.

Follow the simple tips above to ensure you are not risking your toddler’s safety. Stay updated. Sign up for newsletters through the CPSC email so you are informed of any new recall alerts.

Keeping your toddler away from harm is your top priority. However, being a naturally inquisitive child, he will constantly do things beyond your control, hence exposing him to accidents. Learn how to protect your toddler by giving first aid help.

Burns and Scalds

One of the most common childhood accidents toddlers are highly susceptible to. These culprits are a peril to every home especially since toddlers are curious, small and have sensitive skin that require extra protection.

First Aid Help

First-Degree Burns

• Remove your toddler away from the source of the burn.
• Run cool water over the burned area or cold compress it for 10 minutes. If water is not available, use any cold drinking fluid.
• Dry the area using a clean towel and coat it with a sterile gauze pad.
• Do not put butter, toothpaste or powder to the burn to avoid infection.
• Give the correct dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate the pain.
• Apply antiseptic cream once the burn starts to blister. Never try to break the blister.

Second and Third-Degree Burns

• Never treat a serious burn by yourself.
• Seek medical help at once. While waiting for medical personnel to arrive, let your toddler lie down with burned area elevated. Place a clean cloth over the area. Do not touch or breathe on the burn. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Cover him with a blanket.

Electrical and Chemical Burns

• Remove your toddler away from danger.
• Rinse the area with cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Use soap and water and wash it gently.
• As you continue cooling the burn, remove your toddler’s clothing. Cut them to avoid exposing other parts of his body to the burn.

Nosebleed

This occurs when the nose becomes dry or irritated because of colds, sinus infections, allergies and pressure (e.g. nose picking or putting a foreign object inside the nose).

First Aid Help

• Let him lean forward slightly.
• Use a tissue or a clean, soft towel to gently pinch the soft part of his nose. Do this for 10 minutes and let him breathe through his mouth.
• Release the pressure and check if the bleeding has stopped and cold compress the bridge of his nose.

Choking

Choking is caused when a person’s airway (trachea) is blocked which obstructs normal air circulation. This typically happens when toddlers choke on food or toys.

First Aid Help

• If your toddler is coughing or gagging, encourage him to cough and pat his back.
• If choking continues after coughing, perform abdominal thrusts. Only do this if you have been trained. If not, call for medical help at once. His trachea might have shut down.

Concussions

Concussion occurs when a person obtains a head injury usually while playing or when a person accidentally trips and knocks his head against a solid object. When not treated, this can lead to brain damage or worse, disability.

First Aid Help

• Remove your toddler from the activity.
• To check if the concussion is severe, look for signs of increased alertness, frequent vomiting, headache and convulsion. If he exhibits these symptoms, take him to the emergency room.
• The doctor will ask you how the head injury happened. Give him details (when it happened, its symptoms, etc.).
• Your toddler may need to undergo MIR or have a CT scan to check if there is bleeding.

Heat Stroke

Children are vulnerable to heat stroke as their body temperature tend to overheat easily. This may be due to prolonged sun exposure, dehydration or if they are dressed too warmly. You know your toddler is suffering from heat stroke when – he becomes dizzy, restless, vomits, has a rapid pulse, shallow breathing and hot, red, dry skin.

First Aid Help

• Remove clothing. Go to a cooler area and let him lie down.
• Give him a cool sponge bath to rehydrate his body.
• Talk to him to keep your toddler relaxed.
• Do not offer him anything to drink.
• After he has cooled down, give him a cool bath.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is common to children because they are more sensitive to the brain’s response to motion. This can strike during a boat, train or plane ride especially if it is their first time.

First Aid Help

• Let your toddler look afar. Seeing things from a distance helps eliminate your toddler’s queasiness.
• Keep him cool. When on a boat, take him out on deck. Roll down the windows in the car. Use a fan to give him cool air while on the plane.
• Divert his attention. Keep your little one busy to keep his mind distracted. Sing a song or talk about the people and things you see.

By nature, your toddler cannot help but be active and curious. With your little one’s radiating energy, exploring his surroundings is the only activity that can satisfy his short attention span. While this is a healthy way to maximize your toddler’s development, it also imposes a big risk to his health and safety. As a parent, it is your obligation to see to his security. With close supervision, you can keep your toddler away from harm.

Toddler Safety Tips

You need to keep your eye open 24/7 and this can be stressful. To help lessen your burden, here are some practical toddler safety tips you can practice both inside and outside of your home.

Use Appropriate Child-Guard Products

By this time, you may already have installed toddler safety products to childproof your home. What you can do is to re-evaluate to make sure everything is in place and every corner is secured. See to it electric sockets, blinds, sofas and other sharp pointed furniture’s are covered with the appropriate locks and padding’s. To add extra protection, why not install a high lock or an alarm system to signal you each time he tries to go out on his own.

Safety gears must accompany him if he wants to go outdoors. If he wants to bike around the neighborhood, let him wear his helmet and protective pads. If he wants to go swimming, let him use floaters and a life vest. In the car, sit him in his toddler car seat.

Always Clean Any Visible Clutter

Since your toddler might still have a wobbly walk, he can always fall down, trip, or stumble. Always see to it you clean any mess you see. It is better to be meticulous to prevent your toddler from getting into accidents. Put away what needs to be stowed.

Bedroom

Rugs, picture frames, cushions, lamps and curtains may add beauty to your bedroom. But, for your toddler, it only adds his chances of getting hurt. Stow away any reachable items in your room. Store your candle or figurine collection in a display cabinet for the mean time. Make sure there are no lighted candles or any inflammable objects lying around the room.

Bathroom

Always put the toilet lid down when not in use. Keep beauty products, bathroom cleansers and other toxic objects out of his reach.

Living Room

A lot of items can be a choking hazard for your little one. Make sure remote controls are not reachable as he can easily remove the batteries and place them on his mouth. Clear your living room from clutter by storing toys, books and magazines from their respective drawers and cabinets. Place socket covers in electric outlets and keep electric cables away from the floor with a cable shortener. Use furniture safety straps to secure your furniture’s.

Kitchen

Secure the oven and stove with heat-resistant locks in case your toddler touches them. Keep knives, pans, plates, utensils and other dinnerware at the top-most shelf.

Teach Him Rules

You need to educate your toddler with the basic safety rules as well. Each time you and your little one goes out of the house, educate him on what he needs to do. Always tell him he needs to hold your hand, he is not supposed to talk to strangers, he has to stay close to your side and scream if there is anything suspicious. For extra protection, put a piece of paper with your contact number in his pocket in case of any emergency.

Your toddler’s safety is not only about you ensuring his security. You also have to educate your toddler about staying safe as early as possible. By doing so, you are assured he can apply the safety tips he has learned and that he knows what to do, what not to do and who to contact.