Toddler Water Safety, Sun, Hot Cars and Window Falls

Why this matters at this age

• More US children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause, according to the CDC. Most of these drownings happen in home pools and spas, often during a short lapse in supervision when no one expected the child to be near water.
• Drowning is fast and quiet. A toddler can slip under in seconds, without splashing or calling out, in as little as 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water.

Water: layers of protection

• Touch supervision. For toddlers and weak swimmers, an adult stays within arm's reach, in or beside the water, without a phone or book. At gatherings, name one sober "water watcher" and hand off clearly, out loud.
• Pool fencing. A four-sided fence at least 4 ft (1.2 m) high that separates the pool from the house and yard, with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Alarms and covers add layers; they don't replace the fence.
• Bath: never leave a toddler in the tub, even for a moment, and don't rely on bath seats or an older sibling. Drain the tub right away.
• Around the house: empty buckets, kiddie pools and coolers after use; keep toilet lids down or locked; close the bathroom door.
• Swim lessons: the AAP says lessons can lower drowning risk for many children from age 1. Choose programs with trained teachers and a parent in the water for young children. Lessons never make a toddler "drown-proof."
• Life jackets: use a properly fitting, approved life jacket on boats, docks and open water. Inflatable arm floats and toys are not safety devices.
• Learn infant and child CPR; see the choking and CPR guide.

Sun

• Shade first, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Add a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and light clothing that covers skin.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, on exposed skin; reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Offer water often in heat. Watch for a child who is unusually tired, flushed or not peeing.

Cars

• Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the top height or weight limit for the seat's rear-facing mode. See the car seats guide.
• Never leave a child alone in a car, even briefly with windows cracked. A car heats up fast, and a child's body heats faster than an adult's. Make a habit of checking the back seat every time: put your phone or bag back there, or ask childcare to call if your child doesn't arrive.
• Lock the car and keep keys out of reach, so toddlers can't climb in.
• Walk around the car before backing out of a driveway.

Windows and balconies

• Window screens keep bugs out; they don't stop a child falling. Use window guards or stops that keep windows from opening more than about 4 inches (10 cm).
• Move furniture away from windows, and supervise on balconies and decks.

In the yard and park

• Check play equipment for hot metal slides and surfaces in summer.
• Keep toddlers away from driveways and streets; hold hands in parking lots.
• Store garden chemicals, lighter fluid and pool chemicals locked up.

When to check in

Get help now if a child is pulled from the water:

• Call 911. If the child isn't breathing normally, start CPR right away and keep going until help arrives.
• Any child who went under, coughed a lot or seemed confused afterward should be checked by a doctor the same day, even if they seem fine.