top of page

Top Concerns for Parents of Toddlers (and How to Address Them)

Updated: Sep 18, 2025

1. Falls & Furniture Tip-Overs

Toddlers are climbing machines—unstable walkers who love to climb on furniture, which can result in serious injuries when heavy items fall Wikipedianhs.uk.

How to manage it:

  • Anchor tall bookcases, dressers, and TVs to walls.

  • Use drawer stops.

  • Keep heavy or eye-catching items out of reach.


2. Stairs & Openings

Falls from stairs and through wide railings pose serious risks nhs.uk.

Quick fixes:

  • Install safety gates at both top and bottom of stairs.

  • Fit window guards or window locks that prevent openings wider than 6.5 cm (2.5 in) nhs.uk.


3. Choking & Ingesting Small Objects

Toddlers explore by putting things in their mouths—coins, batteries, food items like grapes or nuts, and other small items pose high choking risks Wikipedia New York Post  Nationwide Children's Hospital

Stay safe by:

  • Keeping small items well out of reach.

  • Cutting grapes or small foods into very small pieces New York Post.


4. Burns & Hot Liquids

Hot drinks or kitchen hazards can cause serious burns. Toddlers may grab pot handles or reach for cups at table edge PostHealthyChildren.orgswhd.org. New York

Prevention tips:

  • Keep hot items out of reach.

  • Turn pot handles inward.

  • Use barriers or high chairs when needed.


5. Drowning Risks

Drowning is a top cause of injury or death in toddlers—even a few inches of water (e.g. bathtubs, buckets) can be dangerous Wikipedia+1 CDC

Guard against this:

  • Never leave a toddler alone near water.

  • Empty buckets/bathtubs immediately after use.

  • Use pool fencing or bathroom locks as applicable.


6. Poisoning & Hazardous Substances

With their curiosity, toddlers can open drawers or cabinets and access cleaning supplies or medications Sanford Health nhs.uk HealthyChildren.org

Safety steps:

  • Use locks and safety caps on cabinets storing hazardous items.

  • Keep products in original containers and high out of reach.


7. Kitchen Helpers & Toddler Towers

These popular tools for letting toddlers help in kitchen may not be as safe as believed: many pose tipping or limb entrapment risks Parents.

Be cautious:

  • Only use models that have passed safety tests.

  • Always supervise the child when using such devices.


8. Strangulation Hazards and Everyday Dangers

Items like drawstrings, blind cords, button batteries, or hanging coats on chairs can be unpredictably dangerous New York Post.

What to do:

  • Keep drawstrings and blind cords secured or hidden.

  • Avoid leaving garments draped on furniture.

  • Store button-battery items safely.


9. Outdoor & Mobility Safety

Busy roads, crowded areas, or public spaces can be risky. Child harnesses (woefully called “leads”) are debated—but some see them as a preventative measure in high-risk situations Wikipedia.

Use with care:

  • Know the risks—tethering can cause tripping or other hazards Wikipedia.

  • Choose harnesses meeting safety standards and supervise attentively.


10. Clutter & Environment

A cluttered floor can cause trips and falls; regular checks are essential Wikipedia a-zpeds.com.

Keep it tidy:

  • Clear toys from pathways.

  • Use non-slip rugs, especially in wet areas.


Recommended Amazon Products to Help Keep Toddlers Safe



A great all-in-one kit of 22 items including socket covers, cupboard locks, corner guards, latches, and door stoppers. Ideal for tackling multiple hazards with one purchase.

Home safety starter pack


  1. Easy Close Extra Tall Metal Baby Stair Gate


    A sturdy barrier to safely block off stairs, kitchens, or other dangerous zones—offering peace of mind during times when access needs to be restricted.


    Easy Close Extra Tall Metal Baby Stair Gate

  2. Tutti Bambini Montessori Toddler Learning Tower


    A much safer alternative to toddler towers, as it provides secure climbing access in the kitchen for activities under supervision—with reduced risk of tipping or entrapment when used properly.


    Tutti Bambini Montessori Toddler Learning Tower

These are our recommendations; however, we encourage you to do your own research/ consult your doctor to ensure these products are the right fit for your child.


Final Thoughts

Raising a toddler means staying alert to evolving risks—from climbing furniture to mouth explorations, from water hazards to unpredictable environments. A combination of awareness, prevention, and investing in proven safety tools can make all the difference.


Quick checklist for parents:

  • Anchor furniture and install gates.

  • Secure stairways, windows, and cupboards.

  • Keep hazardous items well out of reach.

  • Supervise near water and during unsafe activities.

  • Maintain clutter-free, toddler-friendly spaces.

  • Choose genuinely safer tools and products—don’t rely on assumption.



Comments


Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.
bottom of page