As parents, one of your top priorities is the safety and well-being of your children. With all the potential pitfalls of day-to-day life, however, navigating the risks can be difficult.
These everyday safety tips can help you navigate everything from car seat safety to baby-proofing and safe sleep, keeping your child out of harm's way as much as possible from birth through his or her toddler years.
* Always use a valid (typically less than 6 years old), federally approved car seat in motor vehicles.* Ensure the seat is properly installed. Refer to the instruction manual with any questions.* If you use an infant carrier, strap your child in on the floor, never a counter or tabletop.* For at least the first two years of your child's life, the car seat should be rear-facing.* The safest location for a car seat is in the middle of the back seat.
* Avoid giving your child nuts, popcorn, hard candies, hot dogs and raw fruits and vegetables, such as grapes or carrots, as they may present a choking hazard.* Never prop up a bottle and leave your baby unattended.* Inspect toys often to ensure they're not broken and do not have small pieces that could easily become detached.* Be cautious of strings and buttons on clothing.
* The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, which reduces the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).* Avoid placing anything in the crib or bassinet that may suffocate your child, such as pillows, blankets or bumpers.* Keep your child's room at a moderate temperature and dress him or her appropriately to avoid overheating.* Never leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, changing table, swing or infant seat.
* Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 F.* Test the temperature of bath water before setting your baby in the tub.* Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub.* Keep toilet lids down and consider installing toilet lid locks.
* Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.* Secure cords on blinds and drapes out of reach.* Keep sharp objects, such as knives, scissors and tools, and other hazardous items, like coins, beads and pins, in a secure place out of the baby's reach.* Store cleaning products and medications in locked cabinets. Never store potentially toxic substances in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink.* Cover all electrical outlets.* Cushion hard edges and sharp corners of furniture and decor.* Secure cords to electrical items along baseboards using electrical tape.* Attach heavy or tall furniture to the wall and avoid placing items that could fall, like electronics or lamps, on top of dressers or shelves.* Install safety gates with straight, vertical slats securely in front of all stairwells.