Final answer:
Toddlers have an increased risk of injury due to their curiosity, lack of coordination, and developmental tendency to explore the environment, which often includes mouthing objects that could be harmful. SIDS also poses a risk, with safe sleep practices being a critical preventive measure. Additionally, environmental factors like malnutrition, poor sanitation, and exposure to toxins contribute to the heightened risk for young children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Toddlers are at a higher risk of injury for several reasons. Their natural curiosity, combined with an underdeveloped sense of danger, leads them to explore their environment in ways that can be hazardous. Developmentally, toddlers have not yet fully mastered balance and coordination, making them more prone to falls and accidents. Additionally, they tend to put objects in their mouths, which can pose risks of choking or poisoning.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), although mentioned in the context of infants primarily, reflects a concern for children somewhat older due to the pervasive risks associated with sleeping positions and environments. Safe sleep recommendations, such as placing infants on their backs and keeping the sleeping area free of soft items, can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Environmental factors also contribute to the vulnerability of this age group. Children under five are particularly susceptible to diseases brought on by malnutrition and poor environmental conditions, such as unsanitary water and inadequate healthcare, which can lead to infections and contribute to higher mortality rates in low-income countries. Moreover, the exposure to environmental toxins, like lead, can result in serious health issues for toddlers who have the tendency to mouth objects.