As parents, we do everything in our power to protect our children, but even the most prepared home can hide unexpected toddler safety hazards. Once little ones begin crawling, walking, and exploring, the world becomes their playground. Unfortunately, that same world can also be full of hidden dangers.

As a new grandmother, I am making it my mission to educate all parents on possible toddler hazards. In this post, we’re revealing 10 shocking toddler safety hazards you may not have thought of, plus smart and practical solutions to eliminate them. Whether you’re a first-time parent, grandparent, or welcoming your third child, it’s time to take a fresh look at your living space.

11 Toddler Safety Hazards to Watch Out For

1. Furniture Tip-Overs

One of the most overlooked toddler safety hazards is unsecured furniture. Dressers, bookshelves, and even TVs can become climbing targets. When pulled or climbed on, they can tip over and cause serious injury.

Fix it: Anchor all large furniture and electronics to the wall using anti-tip brackets. You will want to do your homework, as there are many brands on the market. Read the reviews and select the best one for your needs. It’s a simple project with life-saving benefits.

2. Window Blind Cords

Those dangling cords may look harmless, but they pose a real risk of strangulation. Every year, children are injured or worse due to window cord accidents.  In the last 50 years, hundreds of children in the United States have gotten the cords looped around their necks, strangling themselves to death.

Fix it: Replace blinds with cordless versions or use cord wraps and tension devices to keep cords out of reach—an easy way to eliminate this toddler safety hazard.

3. Heavy Décor & Wall Art

As a professional interior designer, I am very cognizant of the danger of heavy wall art. If I am working with a client who has small children, it becomes part of the conversation. Frames, mirrors, and even potted plants on shelves can be pulled down by curious hands. If it’s within reach, it’s a potential danger.

Fix it: Mount heavy décor securely to the wall, or better yet, move it higher. Avoid placing anything heavy on furniture where toddlers can grab it.

4. Uncovered Electrical Outlets

This is one of the classic toddler safety hazards, yet many homes still have uncovered outlets that attract curious fingers.

Fix it: Use tamper-resistant outlet covers or safety plugs throughout the house, not just in the nursery. Look for models that are difficult for toddlers to remove.

5. Toilet Drowning Risks

It may sound unlikely, but toddlers can drown in just a few inches of water. Open toilet lids present a real hazard, especially during potty-training stages. A child can fall headfirst and be unable to right themselves, and drown in minutes.

Fix it: Always keep bathroom doors closed and install childproof toilet locks. Don’t underestimate this silent toddler safety hazard.

6. Cleaning Supplies & Medications

Brightly colored bottles can look like candy to a curious toddler. Storing them under the sink or in a bathroom cabinet without a lock is a major mistake.

Fix it: Use high shelves and install childproof locks on all cabinets containing chemicals, cleaners, or medications. It’s a crucial step in removing toxic toddler safety hazards.

7. Unsecured Doors and Staircases

Toddlers love to wander, especially into areas that aren’t safe. Unlocked doors and open staircases can lead to dangerous falls or unsupervised escapes.

Fix it: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs, and use doorknob covers or door alarms to prevent unsupervised access to certain rooms or the outdoors.

8. Pet Food & Bowls

It might surprise you, but dog or cat food can be a choking hazard, and water bowls present a drowning risk. Pets may also become aggressive if startled during mealtime.

Fix it: Feed pets in gated areas or elevated locations when toddlers are active. Always supervise interactions to reduce the chances of an unexpected toddler safety hazard.

9. Dangling Tablecloths

A toddler tugging on a tablecloth can pull down everything on top—including hot beverages, heavy dishes, or glass items.

Fix it: Replace tablecloths with placemats or remove them altogether while your toddler is in the tug-and-pull stage. You’ll avoid one of the sneakiest toddler safety hazards.

10. Low Drawers with Sharp Tools

Kitchen drawers within reach often house dangerous items like scissors, knives, or cooking gadgets.

Fix it: Add drawer locks or relocate sharp items to higher cabinets. Your kitchen should be a place to create memories, not accidents.

11. Button Batteries: Tiny but Life-Threatening

One of the most dangerous toddler safety hazards is also one of the smallest, button batteries. These shiny, coin-sized batteries are found in everything from remote controls and toys to hearing aids and greeting cards. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours.

This important warning comes directly from my daughter-in-law, Dr. Yasmine Brown, a pediatric intensivist. She’s seen firsthand the life-threatening consequences of button battery ingestion.

“Even if parents don’t see the child swallow the battery, symptoms can appear quickly—like vomiting, drooling, coughing, or refusal to eat,” says Dr. Brown. “It’s a true emergency. These kids often need surgery to remove the battery and repair internal damage.”

Fix it: Do a sweep of your home for items containing button batteries. Secure them with tape or store them out of reach. Better yet, choose products with battery compartments that require a screwdriver to open.

Adding Dr. Brown’s insight is a reminder that even the tiniest object can pose a massive threat when it comes to toddler safety hazards.

Final Thoughts

Parenting is full of surprises, but your home shouldn’t be one of them. By addressing these toddler safety hazards now, you can create a safe, secure environment where your child can explore and grow freely.

Remember, many toddler safety hazards are easy to overlook but just as easy to fix with a little preparation. Walk through your home with fresh eyes—get down to your toddler’s level and see what they see. You’ll likely notice new areas that need your attention.

When it comes to keeping your toddler safe, prevention is key. Eliminate these 10 toddler safety hazards, and you’ll breathe easier knowing your home is a much safer place to raise your little one.