Unintentional brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children. Parents may not always be able to keep their children from getting hurt, but there are some simple things they can do to make injury less likely. Protecting a child's head from falls and motor vehicle crashes is one of the most important things. Please take a few minutes to read through the information below.

A parent's role as a protector:
Parents can do three things to reduce the likelihood of their toddler sustaining an injury.

• Use safety devices such as smoke detectors, bike helmets and car seats.
• Alter the child's environment by doing things such as removing standing water, providing proper padding on playgrounds or installing child proof door knob devices to prevent a child from leaving the house or entering potentially unsafe areas without parental knowledge.
• Provide constant supervision. Children should be watched at all times when they are near situations that can cause injury such as roadways, items they can fall from, water, dogs or the stove. When parents cannont supervise their toddler, they should place their child in a playpen or gated area, especially if an older child is in the house. This will allow the older child his or her appropriate freedom with movement and toys and still protect the toddler.

Safety concepts can be taught at this age, but toddlers are not ready to make safety decisions such as an appropriate height to jump from, how far away a car is, whether a pill is medication or candy and whether the neighborhood dog will bite. Its the parent's role as a protector to supervise their child in risky situations. It is our hope that the following information sheets will assist parents in raising healthy, happy and safe children.

A toddler's biggest risk:

Car Crashes:
Toddlers are much safer in a child safety seat in the event of a crash. They should ride in a correctly installed, forward facing car seat with a harness in the back seat of the car once they reach one year old and 20 pounds, until they are at least 40 pounds. For more information on child passenger safety, visit www.safekidscharmeck.org, www.nhtsa.gov or call 704-336-7233.

Falls:
Toddlers will explore their worlds with zest. To ensure they are protected from falls, make sure all playgrounds are safe and they are supervised at all times while playing. Install window guards, move furniture away from windows and ensure a properly fitted bicycle helmet is worn when riding a bike.

Burns:
Hot water heaters should be set to a maximum of 120 degrees to reduce the likelihood of burns from water. To prevent burns while cooking, insist that children play somewhere else besides the kitchen and place guards on stove knobs if needed. Protect children from house fire burns by installing and checking regularly a smoke alarm. For more information on fire prevention, visit www.charlottefire.org.

Choking/Suffocation:
Children can choke on small objects or choke themselves with mini blind cords so never leave them within reach. To prevent choking from foods, ensure all table food is cut small and don’t allow children to eat and run at the same time.

Drowning:
At this age children are drawn to water. All standing water in and around a toddler's home in pails, bathtubs and pools should be emptied. All pools should have a fence around all four sides that is locked with a child proof latching system. Children should never be left alone near water, even for a moment. Children should wear appropriate personal flotation devices when near pools and large bodies of water.

Poisoning:
Safety locks should be used on cabinets with cleaners, medicines and other toxic chemicals. Remember, children don't know the difference between these items and candy or juice at this age. Yards and houses where children are present should be inspected and all poisonous plants should be removed. If a poisoning is expected, call 1-800-222-1222. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.ncpoisoncenter.org.

Outdoor Safety:
Although children are independent at this age, they are not able to judge safety situations accurately. When playing outside, parents need to be with their child at all times to help it avoid cars when riding a bike, walking near the street or playing with dogs.

Fire Arms:
A majority of two year olds are strong enough to pull the trigger on a gun. Ensure firearms are unloaded and locked away in a cabinet or with a trigger lock and stored away from the ammunition. For more information visit, www.charmeck.org/Departments/MCSO/Home.htm

Children who have had an injury in the past, a developmental delay of some type or are in homes with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health issues may be at greater risk for injury and may require additional protective measures.

For more information on childhood injuries locally visit www.carolinasinjuryprevention.com or www.safekidscharmeck.org. For national information visit www.cdc.gov, www.usa.safekids.org or www.aap.org.

If children play at other friend's houses or stay with other caregivers outside their homes, parents should ensure the same guidelines for safety are followed at that house.

This article is provided strictly as a service and for informational purposes. Carolinas Medical Center makes no representations or warranties about the information in this article and this article is not intended to replace any advice or information from your pediatrician. This article does not guarantee that an infant or child will not suffer injury or death even if all guidelines are followed.