Babies and toddlers are little explorers. They love to touch, grab and put things in their mouths as they learn about the world around them. While this curiosity is natural and important for their development, it can also lead to possible dangers at home.
According to Tracey Fejt, RN, trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator with Banner Children’s, more than six children die every day (2,200 deaths a year) in the U.S. from hazards at home. “Every year, 3.5 million children visit the emergency department because of injuries that could have been prevented,” she said.
Keeping your little one safe starts with knowing what everyday items could harm them. Here are 12 surprising household dangers to watch out for – and how to protect your baby and toddler.
1. Button batteries
One of the biggest dangers is the small button batteries found in toys, remotes and even musical greeting cards.
“A swallowed battery can cause serious injury or death within two hours,” Fejt said. “The electrical current can burn through the digestive system, causing life-threatening damage.”
Tip: Always check toys and electronics for securely closed battery compartments. Store loose batteries somewhere out of reach.
2. Cribs and beds
The leading cause of unintentional death is suffocation, which includes choking, strangulation and asphyxiation. “Most of these happen from unsafe sleeping environments,” Fejt said.
Tip: Practice safe sleep guidelines. Infants should sleep on their backs in a crib. They should sleep alone, not with you, pets or other children. Never keep soft toys, comforters, blankets, bumper pads and pillows in the crib. Only use a fitted crib sheet. Make sure the mattress is firm, not soft and fits snugly against the sides of the crib.
3. Magnets
Loose and high-powered magnets, such as those found in toys for sculpting or building, are great for older children but not babies and toddlers.
“If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attract to each other through the intestines,” Fejt said. “This can cause blockages, twisting or tears in the digestive tract and lead to serious infections or even death.”
Tip: Supervise your older children when they play with magnetic toys. After they are done, put the magnets away and make sure none are left on the floor or anywhere near younger children.
4. Plastic bags
Plastic bags, including grocery and dry cleaning bags, pose a risk of suffocation. Curious toddlers can pull bags over their heads, cutting off airflow.
Tip: Keep plastic bags out of reach and properly dispose of them when they aren’t needed.
5. Weighted blankets and weighted swaddles
Weighted blankets can be soothing for adults but these and weighted infant sleepwear are dangerous for babies. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPS), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), all have clear warnings that these items pose dangers for babies.
“Weighted blankets and swaddles are not safe for babies under one year old,” Fejt said. “Infants’ rib cages aren’t rigid yet, so any weight on their chest can make it hard for them to breathe. This can lower oxygen levels and affect their brain development.”
Tip: Follow safe sleep guidelines and avoid using weighted items with your baby.
6. Cleaning supplies
The second common cause of unintentional poisonings in children six and younger often includes harmful chemicals. Even cleaning products labeled natural or green can be toxic to children. To a toddler, bright-colored liquids like window cleaner or detergent pods look like drinks or candy.
Tip: “Store cleaning supplies up high or in a locked cabinet,” Fejt said. “This simple step can prevent accidental poisonings.”
7. Earbuds, AirPods and charging cords
Small electronics and their accessories can be risky for babies and toddlers. Earbuds and AirPods can be choking hazards, while loud sounds from headphones can harm little children’s developing ears. Cords pose a strangulation risk and can cause burns or shocks if chewed on.
Tip: Keep all electronics and chargers out of reach. Check your cords for signs of damage, such as fraying, cracks or exposed wires.
8. Purses and handbags
Purses, diaper bags and backpacks often contain items that are hazardous to children, such as loose change, medicine, makeup and keys. Coins are a choking hazard and medications can be toxic.
Tip: Keep bags off the floor and out of reach of little hands. Keep the bag zipped or buttoned.
9. Pet toys and food
Children’s toys undergo rigorous safety inspections and are designed appropriately by age. This is not the case for toys designated for your pets. “The plastic in dog toys could contain harmful substances,” Fejt said. Dry pet food can also be a choking hazard.
Pet food and dishes can also expose your little one to dangerous pet germs like Salmonella and Listeria that can make them sick.
Tip: Keep pet items in a separate area and teach children not to play with them.
10. Blinds
Window blind cords are a hidden strangulation hazard. Children can easily become entangled in them.
Tip: “Replace blinds with cordless models or secure cords well out of reach to prevent accidents,” Fejt said.
11. Water beads
Sensory or water beads, small toys designed to grow in size when soaked in water, are a hidden danger for children. When soaked in water, water beads can grow up to 1,500 times their original size.
“To children, they may look like candy,” Fejt said. “If swallowed, inhaled or inserted into ears, they can expand and cause blockages or life-threatening complications.”
Tip: Avoid letting young children play with water beads.
12. Latex balloons
Latex balloons are a party favorite but can be deadly if popped. Small balloon pieces can be easily inhaled into the throat and lungs, blocking a child’s airway.
Tip: “Latex balloons should never be left unattended around young children,” Fejt said. “If a balloon pops, clean up the pieces right away.”
Takeaway
Babies and toddlers don’t understand what’s dangerous, so it’s up to us as parents to create a safe environment. If you’re unsure about a product's safety, Fejt recommends checking the CPSC’s website at SaferProducts.gov. She also recommends learning CPR and the Heimlich maneuver and having the Poison Control phone number on hand in case of an emergency.
It is important to be aware of possible everyday dangers to your baby and toddler. If you have additional questions, talk to your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
