How to Prevent Your Child From Falling and Hurting Himself

By Mrunal - Updated: January 14, 2019

In this Article

Managing Heights
Safety Precautions around Windows
Avoid Tripping
Avoid Slipping
Avoid Walkers
Keep Nightlights

Once children learn to stand and walk they never seem to stop. What’s worse, they fall more easily because they are still unsteady on their feet and their heads are heavy with respect to their bodies. Of course, that they are curious creatures, ready to explore everything only makes it worse. Preventing falls becomes a struggle for parents as it requires almost constant supervision.

Children are quick learners. They will be climbing, jumping and reaching out for things way before you imagined. This, then, is the first precaution you need to take – stay a step ahead of your toddler by anticipating what he is capable of. Here is what you need to know about keeping your curious toddler safe from falls and hurts. It is not difficult, and you can provide a fun-filled environment for your toddler while keeping your home toddler-friendly.

Managing Heights

Look out for your baby while he is on the bed, a sofa, a changing table or any high furniture. Children less than 5 years of age can safely pass 1.5m of height.

Put things that interest him on the lower shelves to prevent him from climbing.
Don’t forget to use safety belts on high chairs or wherever else possible.
Ensure supervision while he is playing in the balcony or a high porch.
Put wire netting in the balcony.
Don’t keep toys on the staircases and ensure staircases have hand rails.

Safety Precautions around Windows

Toddlers are fascinated by the windows and love to look out of them. You need to take special safety precautions around them, especially if your toddler is unsupervised even for short durations.The same applies for furniture.

Install strong glass doors that are kept shut tight.
Make sure you have safety guards, screens or nets.
Make sure your furniture is sturdy and doesn’t tip over when he stands on it or pushes it. Avoid sharp corners or pad them up with tape.
Do not let the child play near windows because he can squeeze through a space as narrow as 6 inches.
Remove storage bins, pots, tables and chairs from around the windows so that your toddler cannot climb over them.

Avoid Tripping

Remove wires and extension cords that stretch across rooms. Pick up toys once the toddler has finished playing. Hold his hand and guide him when he’s walking over uneven surfaces.

Avoid Slipping

Use non-skid floor mats and rugs. Be especially careful in and around the washrooms and near the bathtub.
Wipe away liquids or food.
While in the playground, especially on wet days, make sure your child is dressed in sturdy shoes with proper traction. Clothes like jeans and jackets will serve to cushion his knees and elbows if he does fall.

Avoid Walkers

They give a child momentum to break through safety doors or fall down stairs. They might also tip over uneven surfaces.

Keep Nightlights

A small night-light in the baby’s room is a good idea.
If he doesn’t like that, you can consider one in the hallways.

Finally, ensure constant supervision of your toddler in potential fall zones like playgrounds or around escalators in crowded areas.Taking precautions is the only way to keep your baby safe. A few dos and don’ts can go a long way in making his growing up years accident-free.

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