It’s one of those milestones that we don’t want to miss – the moment our toddler takes their first steps. It’s such a special moment. All at once, the world is theirs to discover! And suddenly, your home looks a lot different than it did only moments before – your home looks like a maze of hazards and potential injuries for your newly mobile little one. Today we’re going to talk about it. What exactly in your home environment do you need to be worried about, and how can you make it a safe space for your wandering tot to explore and learn.  

Key takeaways:

1. Use baby-gates, bedrails and cabinet locks to limit your child’s unsupervised access to hazardous areas of the home. Mount tall furniture to the wall to prevent toppling and crush injuries. 
2. Get down to your child’s level and look for hazards from their perspective. A pot handle hanging over the edge of the stove, for example, may attract them. 
3. Give yourself grace as a parent for mistakes that lead to injury. The best you can do is anticipate hazards, be informed and take steps to prevent injury as much as possible.

Guests:
Breanne Harmon, parent
Lillian Chan, parent
Dr. Natasha Collia, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor and Simulation Educator at SickKids

Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.