Dangers in Driveways and Parking Lots
Your child is so small that a driver may not be able to see him or her between cars or when backing up. You can help keep your child and others safe by doing these things:
- Walk all the way around your car to check for kids, toys, and pets before getting in and starting the motor.
- Keep a lookout for children in parking lots and driveways where children could be playing.
- Firmly hold your child's hand when near vehicles.
When you leave your car, even for a short time, take your child with you. Leaving a child in a parked car is very dangerous and can be deadly. Children left in a car can suffer heat stroke very quickly. They can also start the car rolling or lock themselves in.
How to Keep an Active Toddler in Her Car Seat
Your child should sit in your car rear-facing in the back seat until he or she reaches the weight OR height maximum for the car seat, regardless of age. Once your child has reached the seat's rear-facing height or weight limit, use a forward-facing 5-point harness every time. Check the seat's instructions to find the height and weight limits.
At this age, it is normal for children to try to climb out of their car seats. Never let your child ride unbuckled! If you let your child climb out once, he or she will try to do it again and again. Make sure the harness is snug. (The harness is snug if you cannot pinch any slack in the strap at her shoulder.) If your child tries to get out, a good way to teach him or her to stay seated is to:
• Stop the car in a safe place right away.
• Tell your child firmly that the car will not go until he or she gets back in her seat.
• Wait until he or she sits down, then buckle the harness again.
Ask others who transport your child to be firm and to buckle up children in the back seat. Teach by example. Use your seat belt and make sure your passengers do, too.
What Makes a Playground Safe?
Always check the equipment before your child begins to play. Stay close to your child, especially when he or she is climbing. Safe play areas should have soft sand, wood chips, or rubber padding under climbing toys and swings. They should have small-sized slides and gyms made especially for toddlers that are separate from equipment for older children. Make sure that swings have seats that hold children in on all sides.