Once you have gone through all the hazard areas of your house, and you've taken all the safety measures to make sure your home is safe for your toddler to explore in. There is now only two other brutal toddler safety rules you need to stick too: Watch them like a hawk, and teach them some basic safety habits. Teaching your toddler safety habits can be a tall order, but with repetition, they will ever get it.
1. Start with the vocab: Begin to use words such as 'Ow!' and 'hot!' often and in context. When you have a cup of coffee for example, you can draw your hand back in mock pain, and say 'Hot!' Use other phrases such as 'Be careful!', 'Do not touch!' Every time they get close to something dangerous. The more you use these types of words, the sooner the message will sink in.
2. Be firm about no go areas: Remove your child gently and firmly, using one of your danger phrases. Remember, repetition is the key to your success.
3. Teach them to carry things safely: This will mean teaching then not to run. You can start by letting them use a plastic beaker or cup with only a little water in: Two hands. Then you can move them onto craft scissors: Blade in hand, (rounded) points down.
4. Teach them how to use the stairs safely: The sooner your toddler learns how to use the stairs, the fewer accidents there will be. Start by showing them how to slide down on their tummies (feet first), and once that is perfected, and they can walk up the stairs (with you holding their hand), beginning practicing them walking down the stairs with one of their hands in yours and one on the banister. If you do not have stairs in your home, try and find some, even if its at your friend's house. Let your toddler have plenty of up and down time practice.
5. Insist on tidy up time: The earlier you can begin this habit of them clearing up their jigsaw / leggo / set of toys before they get out another toy, the better. It's amazing how many trips and falls happen because toys are left all over the floor or on stairs.
6. Make them sit and eat: If your child is only having a snack, make sure they are sitting down. This is not only polite and instilling good eating habits, but it also creates less of a choking hazard.
7. Set a safe example for your child: Take care not to cut safety corners when you are cleaning or doing stuff around the house – even if it takes that little bit longer to get things done. The best way you can teach your toddler safety habits, is by demonstrating them yourself.