Parenting young children can be full of both joys and challenges. One of the most significant challenges of parenting is keeping your child safe throughout their many developmental phases and in a variety of environments.
Children are born to explore. From the moment a baby opens their eyes, they are using their senses to gather information about their environment. As a parent, watching your child learn about the world and make meaningful connections can be fulfilling.
However, the task of keeping busy, curious infants and toddlers safe can sometimes feel overwhelming. This article will explore some of the ways you can create a secure environment for infants and toddlers at home and ensure your child’s daycare is as safe as possible.
At Little Sunshine Preschool, safety and enrichment are at the heart of what we do each day. Our dedicated teachers create nurturing programs designed to give your children what they need at every stage of their early childhood.
Reach out to the team at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our infant and toddler care programs in New Port Richey or to schedule a visit to our school.
Safety at Home: Tips for Creating a Secure Home Environment
As a parent, safety is at the very top of your list of priorities. You can take many precautions to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
When your baby is very young, baby-proof your home–and then toddler-proof it, too. Babies and young children run, climb, crawl, roll, and move in many other ways. Their height, strength, and ability to maneuver will change over time–sometimes very quickly–so it’s essential to take precautions well before you believe you’ll need them.
Here are some steps you can take to create a secure environment for infants and toddlers at home:
- Install smoke detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home. Change the batteries every year.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.
- Cover electrical outlets
- Trim window blind cords or use safety tassels to prevent strangulation
- Anchor large appliances and furniture to the wall so that children can’t tip them over
- Be aware of choking hazards in your home. Things like marbles, coins, broken or uninflated balloons, small toys, and small magnets can be hazardous to babies and toddlers in the home. Regularly scan the floor and all surfaces for small objects that could be a choking hazard.
- Cover the corners of coffee tables, TV stands, and other furniture with sharp edges.
- Move cleaning supplies and other chemicals to shelves that your child cannot reach.
- Install cabinet locks, door handle covers, and drawer locks to ensure children can’t access unsafe objects or substances
- Use toilet seat lid locks to prevent children from opening the toilet
- Use gates to block stairs and windows
- Install a fireplace gate
While taking safety measures can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the home, it’s important to avoid leaving babies and toddlers unattended–even for short periods.
Safety at School: How to Create a Secure Environment for Infants and Toddlers
Parents must ensure their child’s safety in every environment. Knowing that your child is in a safe, nurturing environment while they are away from you is essential. There are many steps the staff in a childcare facility must take to protect the health and safety of the children in their care.
Here are some of the ways you can create a safe, secure environment for infants and toddlers in a childcare center in New Port Richey.
Trained staff
Well-trained staff are central to a child’s safety at school or daycare. Staff must be CPR and First Aid certified, understand emergency procedures, and have training in safe sleep and food safety best practices.
A safe building
A childcare facility in New Port Richey should have strict criteria about who can come in and out of the building while children are present. Staff must ensure that only approved adults can pick up a child by having this information readily available to all staff members. Doors must be locked to keep children, staff, and families secure.
Safe play areas
Rooms and play areas should be baby and toddler-proofed. Play, sleep, and feeding areas must be separate. Each child should have an area in the room for milk, formula, food, and other belongings.
Health requirements
Staff, children, and visitors must follow health and safety policies, including having all required vaccinations, following hand-washing and food safety practices, and following guidelines about illnesses and injuries.
A school or childcare center in New Port Richey should have clear procedures and guidelines about how to respond to injuries, accidents, illnesses, and emergencies and take precautions to prevent injuries and accidents from occurring.
Find Infant and Toddler Care in New Port Richey
At Little Sunshine Preschool, we take safety seriously. Our dedicated, experienced educators and staff are happy to answer your questions or schedule a tour.
If you are the parent or guardian of an infant or toddler and are looking for safe, nurturing childcare, contact the team at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our programs. We look forward to meeting you.
