For children with physical disabilities, we recommend adhering to childproofing recommendations for the able-bodied child. Some additional safety precautions might need to be in place for fall prevention and emergency preparedness.
Fall Safety
- Install secure handrails and grab bars in bathrooms and stairways.
- Place non-slip strips on the tub’s surface.
- Remove area rugs.
- Secure safety gates at the top and bottom of every staircase.
- Install window guards to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
- Use coilers in place of shoe laces to prevent tripping.
- Always supervise your child.
- Consult with your therapist about the need for a shower/tub bench.
Burn/Fire Safety
- Reduce water heater temperature to 110 degrees or lower.
- Install childproof outlets or outlet covers to prevent electric burns.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Use stove knob covers or a stove guard to prevent children from turning on the burners and an oven lock to prevent opening the oven door.
- Remove tablecloths and runners and place hot food in center of table.
- Install smoke alarms with a strobe light for hearing impaired children.
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and change batteries when you adjust your clock every spring and fall.
Choking Safety
- Some children with physical impairments require adaptive seating, feeding implementsand techniques. Please consult your occupational therapist for your child’s specific needs.
- Avoid giving children small round foods such as hot dogs, cheese sticks/chunks, hard candy, nuts, grapes and popcorn. Check with your pediatrician about your child’s particular needs.
- Test small objects by using an empty toilet paper tube or small object tester. If object slides through it is a potential choking hazard.
- Secure and support your child in an upright position when eating or being fed.
- Avoid latex balloons use only mylar balloons. Never leave bags such as dry cleaning bags in reach of children.
- Cover all band aids with clothing to avoid biting or chewing on pieces.
- Learn child CPR and stay CPR-certified.
Poisoning Safety
- Store medicines and toxic household products out of sight and reach.
- Keep all chemicals and medicines in original containers. Many resemble juices and candies.
- Install locks on cabinets and drawers, making sure you choose ones that work to keep your child out of harm’s way.
- Give medications in proper doses for age and weight of the child.
- Remind your child regularly about avoiding these items, using stories or pictures to ensure that they understand.
- Keep a list of your child’s medical conditions and medications/doses your child takes.
- Post the poison control center number by every phone: 1-800-222-1222.
Pedestrian Safety
- Mark wheelchairs with reflective tape or lighting and add a bike flag for greater visibility.
- Teach your child safe behaviors in traffic; set clear limits and enforce rules.
- Work with your community to install sloped curbs, signs or audible devices.
To link up with your community, visit Safe Routes to School on Facebook. Click here.
Playground Safety
- Avoid playgrounds with asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt and soil surfaces under the equipment.
- Remove hood and neck drawstrings from children’s clothing, necklaces and don’t let kids wear helmets on the playground as the strap can pose a strangling hazard.
- Look for ways you can help your child enjoy the equipment.For information on special needs playground equipment, visit Shanes Inspiration. Click here.
Water Safety
- Find the right life jacket for your child’s needs; this may include choosing an adaptive life jacket or a standard Type I or Type II life jacket.
- Always keep children within arm’s reach while in or near the water, this includes bathtubs, toilets, hot tubs, pools and open water. Adult supervision is a must at all times.
- Take adaptive aquatics classes together as a family to learn swim skills and reinforce general water safety principles.
- Install grab bars in the bathtub.
- When using bath seats, do not leave your child alone.
- Consult your occupational therapist for recommendations.
Car Seats
Children with physical disabilities will require special seating, even in a vehicle. Please refer to our section on child passenger safety for children with long-term needs.
Consult with your child’s physical therapist to determine the best seat for your child’s ability. For information on Rady Children’s Child Passenger Safety, click here.
Emergencies & Disaster Safety
- Contact your fire department to notify them your child has special needs and if there is any oxygen or special equipment in use.
- Consider a medical alert device for your child, such as a Medic Alert bracelet.
- Create a bag with flash lights, emergency numbers, communication device, extra batteries, first aid items, water, food and backup prescription medications.
- Create and practice an escape plan for your family including techniques that include feeling along the wall to get to safety.
- For children that cannot communicate verbally keep a whistle or alarm near your child’s bed to alert others to danger.
- Keep a blanket or scooter board near child’s bed to drag him/her to safety.
- Consider a guide dog.
- Complete an Emergency Information form for each family member with special needs.
For more information on home safety for children with special needs, visit www.safekids.org/safety-basics/special-needs.
Childproofing alone cannot prevent your child from getting into a dangerous situation. It does not replace ADULT SUPERVISION. Consider multiple layers of protection.