As we get to enjoy the warmth that spring weather brings to the Arizona days, we want to share with you some basic tips to keep your toddlers healthy and safe this season. Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death in children under four years of age? Many injuries occur because we as parents are not aware of just what our children are capable of doing. Your child can walk, run, jump, and has the ability to seek, hunt and find! With all of their newly discovered capabilities, they do not understand what danger is or how to avoid it when playing. It is our job as parents, grandparents or caregivers to protect our children from injury and we have listed a few basic safety tips to help:

Outdoor Grills

During the warm months, grilling outdoors is a favorite, plus it does not heat the home. You have already taught your child the word “hot” and how “hot” objects can burn you. Now, you will want to teach toddlers that outdoor grills can burn just like the stove can inside the home. Please keep in mind that it is your job to put away charcoal, lighter fluid and grill utensils. Also, if you do not clean out the grill and cover it up once it has cooled down, it can lead to ashes being blown into little one’s eyes and cause unwanted damage.

Outdoor Patios

Keep in mind that outdoor patios can be very slippery after it rains (during monsoon season) and can cause many accidents; therefore, you will want to teach your little ones “no running” and to please stay off the wet area until it has time to dry.

Yard Work

Experts also recommend that you please make sure children are inside when you are mowing or doing hazardous yardwork at all times. You cannot hear them, and if you are running over rocks and sticks, they become projectiles that are waiting to impale a little one, or an adult for that matter! When storing lawn mowing equipment, make sure toddlers cannot access the area because there is a multitude of dangers just waiting to happen even when the machine is sitting still.

Jungle Gyms/Swing Sets

These playsets are wonderful outlets for children to play and climb on, but never leave them to play alone. Also, you must make sure that the integrity of the set is in good working order and shows no signs of rust and wear and tear. One tip is to put wood chips under and around the play area to absorb the shock of potential falls.

Pool Area

Please pay particular attention to the pool area. Children should never be left alone in the pool area. Children should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when in the pool area. This rule will give you peace of mind. As a caregiver, you can begin to teach them how to swim at a young age. It will give you added peace of mind if you encourage them to always wear a life jacket no matter what their skill level may be.

Additionally, you may want to add a fence around the pool area with a locked gate for added safety. But, do not forget you might not be aware of what your child can do at this age, like climbing. Encourage your little ones to not climb the gated area.

We hope you found these tips helpful as a precautionary measure to keep your children and their friends safe. Our best advice is never to leave children/toddlers unattended.

For more expert tips and tricks for families, be sure to view our “Family Fun” blog section here.