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Use Stairway Safety Gates and Outlet Covers to Prevent Toddler Accidents

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 15-16 Month Old Toddler

Do you know that accidents are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? More children die and more children are disabled due to injuries than all diseases combined.

As a parent you worry about the illnesses your child may get and you take special care to protect him. You must take the same care to protect him from accidents. Your child cannot protect himself.

Young children are growing and developing all the time. Their ability to do things changes suddenly. In no time at all, he can reach for a hot cup of coffee in your hands and get burned. Often accidents happen because parents are not aware of what their children can do suddenly.


Here are some ways you can prevent accidents:

  • Protect your child from falls with stairway gates and window guards.
  • Don’t leave chairs near open windows or cabinets.
  • Cover electrical outlets.
  • Keep your child away from hot stoves and heaters.
  • Avoid scalds by turning the water heater down to 120° to 130°F.
  • Lock doors that lead to dangerous areas.
  • Keep dangerous substances locked up or safety capped.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 15-16 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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