Unexpected Items to Keep Away from Your Toddlers

These look pretty all blown up, but latex balloons pose a major choking hazard for children of all ages. In fact, more children choke annually on non-inflated or broken balloons than balls, marbles, or toy parts — a total that accounts for about one-third of choking-related deaths in children, according the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.
Photo Credit: Flickr user hollaxatxkylee

Something we have used for decades to hang memos on our refrigerator can seriously harm your children. While they're a choking hazard to begin with, magnets can cause serious damage if swallowed! According to Time, the strength of some magnets can cause holes in intestines, or cause them to actually twist, creating serious health problems and often requiring surgery.
Photo Credit: Flickr user sparr0

I am sure you or your husband have at least one of these in the house, right? I never even thought about it. I would just get in the shower and do my thing — until my oldest son discovered it years ago while bathing. It really isn't rocket science to know how dangerous a razor can be for a toddler if they were to get their hands on it! Make sure to keep razors, along with other shampoos and medicines you may store in the bathroom, out of your child's reach. CNN reported in March that since 1979, the number of U.S. poisoning deaths in kids from medications has jumped from 36% to 64%. Help end this cycle by taking extra precautions in keeping your children out of your medicine cabinet!
Photo Credit: Flickr user denverjeffrey

More and more children are accidentally getting ahold of batteries and eating them! I know we have all had that one toy the kids have thrown hard enough for them to pop out, but new research suggests the number of kids admitted to the hospital for ingesting a battery is up. Since 1990, the number of kids treated in ERs around the country for battery-related injuries has nearly doubled, from 4 kids for every 100,000 U.S. children each year in 1990 to between 7 and 8 per 100,000 in 2009. Smaller "button"-type batteries may pose an additional risk. Try to limit playtime with battery-operated toys for when you can supervise your kids.
Photo Credit: Flickr user rameshng

According to a 2011 New York Times article, about one child a month dies from window blind strangulation. Be safe, and always shorten or secure all of the strings that come along with your blinds. (Or, opt for cordless blinds.)
Learn more about the dangers window blinds pose here
Photo Credit: Flickr user smileeyface1993

An oldie but goodie on the list: cleaning products. They are always so brightly colored and in bottles similarly shaped to juice containers. Make sure you keep cleaning products secure in a place where they are not only out of sight, but out of reach! Keep your items in hard-to-open containers where kids would have difficulty getting into them.

Plus, a new study by the Environmental Working Group has found that many "non-toxic" household cleaners could pose health risks to kids if they're ingested or even if their fumes are breathed in. Be sure to check out their list of "worst offenders" to take off of your cleaning supplies' list altogether.
Photo Credit: Flickr user G & A Sattler

I never even thought about little fingers coming in contact with the sharp edges that cut pieces of tin foil off the roll. Keep these on a high shelf so kids don't accidentally come across them.
Photo Credit: Flickr user lylamerle

One of the hazards we never think of but can make your toddler seriously sick, is the household garbage can. Medicated, moldy, or poisonous items are especially important to keep on trash lockdown. To avoid the problems it can cause by them getting into the garbage, spring for a can with a locking lid.
Photo Credit: Flickr user dinomite

Grapes, carrots ... virtually anything bigger than a pea your toddler could possibly choke on. Slice or shred small foods or meats before serving them to your kids.
Photo Credit: Flickr user davedehetre

Baby monitors are something we use at all ages to help keep an eye on our children, whether they are napping, playing, or whatever. Unfortunately this one item we depend on for safety can be dangerous! The loose cords on baby monitors pose a strangulation and tripping risk — especially since monitors are generally kept close to the baby's crib. Experts recommend keeping the monitor at least three feet away from the crib.
Photo Credit: Flickr fsse8info