The document provides tips for preventing injuries in children ages 1 to 3 years old. It recommends keeping children rear-facing in car seats for as long as possible, baby-proofing the home by storing chemicals and medicines locked up, installing smoke alarms and creating a fire escape plan, using protective gear like helmets during activities, and teaching water safety tips to prevent drowning. It also stresses the importance of never leaving young children unattended around pools, water, or in dangerous situations.

1. By Comfort Taiwo, RN

2.  Installingthe right child safety seat in your car
 Teaching children how to cross the street safely
 Storing medicines, cleaners and other
dangerous substances in locked cabinets
 Baby proofing your home
 Not leaving small children unattended
 Watch for foreign body substance in your
environment

3. Keep your 1 to 3 year old children in
REAR-FACING car seats for as long as
possible. It's the best way to keep them
safe. They should remain in a rear-facing
car seat until they reach the top height or
weight limit allowed by your car seat's
manufacturer.

5. Use smoke alarms
Create and practice a family fire
escape plan
Install a home fire sprinkler system
if possible

6. Use a soft landing playgrounds such as
sand or wood chips
Use protective gear such as
helmet, during sport and recreation
especially bicycle riding
Install protective rails on bunk beds and
lofts beds

7. POISONING
 Place all potentially chemical agents out of
reach or in the cabinet
 Teach child not to play in trash container
 Know number and location of nearest poison
control center
 Replace child-guard caps properly

8.  Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa
and always watch your child when he or she is
in or near water
 Teach children basic water safety tips
 Keep children away from pool drains, pipes
and other openings to avoid entrapments
 Have a telephone close by when you or your
family is using a pool or spa
 If a child is missing, look for him or her in the
pool or spa first
 Share safety instructions with family, friends
and neighbors

9. CDC Vital Signs - Child Injury. (2012, April 16).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Retrieved April 20, 2012, from
http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/ChildInjury
Prevent Injuries in Children - Quick Guide to
Healthy Living: healthfinder.gov - Live well.
Learn how. healthfinder.gov - Your Source
for Reliable Health Information. Retrieved
April 20, 2012, from
http://healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopi
c.aspx?topicID=61&cnt=1&areaID=1