Preventing your child from having accidents and injuries is a huge task. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 reason with self-centered (egocentric) perceptions and magical thinking. These thought patterns lead children to overestimate what is in their control, which contributes to their vulnerability. They are often unaware of the consequences of their actions.

You can help protect your child from accidents and injuries by taking general safety measures around your home. Also, think ahead about what potentially dangerous situations will attract your child.

Some parents think that strict safety measures are not needed because their child is closely supervised or has not yet shown an interest in dangerous areas or items. Although responsible supervision is important, it is not realistic to think that you can watch your child's every move or that he or she will never become curious about something off-limits. Also, constant hovering over children can limit their experiences and confidence. Balancing supervision with safety precautions will help prevent accidents and injuries, as well as allow children to explore.

The following are common accidents and injuries that can occur around the house, and some suggestions on how to prevent them.

Falls

Preventing falls is not always easy. Toddlers and young children often move quickly. Their excitement about their mobility and their lack of experience can make them unaware of dangers, such as stairs or hills. Children between 4 and 5 years of age anticipate many dangers but may not have the physical skills to successfully avoid accidents. You can help prevent young children from falling by putting up stairway barriers, monitoring their play area, and providing stable play equipment. Also, keep walkways, decks, porches, and stairways free of objects.

Choking

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years can easily choke on everyday objects and food. Your child still needs your supervision, even though he or she may be able to eat independently.

You can help prevent choking by taking basic precautions in how you prepare foods and by teaching your child safe eating habits.

• Establish certain areas for eating, such as the kitchen table or dining room. Help your child learn to sit down while eating and to chew carefully. Do not force a child to eat when he or she is not hungry. These practices also help your child to develop healthy eating habits.
• Learn to recognize signs of choking so you can react quickly. For example, a child who is choking can't talk, cry, breathe, or cough.
• Know how to select and prepare foods. For example, choose soft foods that can be cut up into small pieces, such as cooked carrots. Avoid round, firm foods such as hot dogs, grapes, nuts, and raisins.
• Be aware that young children may choke on small objects. Generally, objects smaller than 1.3in. in diameter and 2.3in. long are choking hazards. Examples include coins, buttons, and bottle caps. Keep these items out of reach.
• Do not allow your child to eat while he or she is walking, running, playing, or riding in a car.
• Do not allow your child to chew gum or eat hard candy.
• Do not leave rubber bands or deflated balloons around the house where children can reach them.

Strangulation and suffocation