Hidden Dangers
Wallets and Coins
Your purse looks pretty to a toddler playing dress-up—but the contents inside are not for little hands. Wallets contain nickels, pennies and dimes that can be ingested. “I see tons of toddlers distracted by going through all the contents of mom's wallet,” says Burgert. “Be wary of coins. … Most coin ingestions will pass on their own, but it's not a risk I would take.”
Jewelry
Babies and toddlers love tiny, sparkly things, which can be some of the most dangerous. “Earrings, bracelets, necklaces … these are all shiny and interesting,” Burgert says. “Keep them out of reach of curious tots, as they pose a risk of choking.” And remember to always throw them in a jewelry box or drawer before you leave the house.
Food Plates
During birthday parties and other big events, food plates pose a major risk. “Adults are talking, distracted, and may put their plate down to go grab another beverage or such,” says Burgert. “This puts curious kids at risk of grabbing interesting food from adult plates that are not cut to appropriate size.” Kids commonly choke on nuts, grapes and popcorn, and get their hands on allergen-containing foods like peanuts, eggs and dairy. Remember that even food, which is meant to be ingested, is not entirely innocuous.
Curling Irons
Even after you unplug your curling or straightening iron, it stays scorching hot for a long time. “Most of the burns I see are moms who hurry to unplug everything as they leave the house, but not put things out of the way of curious hands,” says Burgert. Between 1990 and 2006, the ER saw an average of 1.2 million pediatric burns each year. To be safe, put the iron away as soon as you unplug, or keep it on a high counter or shelf above your child’s reach.
'Big Kid' Toys
If the toy package says “For ages 6+,” that’s a warning you should heed. “It’s another huge choking risk,” says Burgert. “It's very common when a family has a second child, and the big sibling has ‘big kid’ toys lying around.” Burgert recommends SafeKids.org, which has great choking prevention tips, and also has an idea to get older siblings involved in toddler and baby safety: If a small toy fits through a toilet paper tube, it needs to go in her “treasure box.” Check out Burgert’s video on how to pull it off.
Scissors and Nail Clippers
You use scissors and nail clippers every week, and leaving them out or in an easily accessible area poses a cutting risk. You may not think of it, but Burgert says children are attracted to the sharp tools. “Lots of kids like to model ‘trimming of the fingernails’ to themselves and their siblings,” she says. “They do trim the nail, and often the tip of the finger with it.” Watch out.
