Medicine as candy

Never refer to medicine as candy – you’re setting up a potentially dangerous confusion. Tell it like it is.

Choking hazard

Children can choke on small things. If something is small enough to fit in a toilet paper tube, it is not safe for little children.

Save “NO” for danger

Save ‘No’ For Red Flag Moments when safety or health is at risk, you want an immediate response, or your little one has really crossed the line. Saying NO too much will wear out its effectiveness.

Poison control

Know to call 1-800-222-1222 if someone takes poison. This number will connect you to emergency help in your area. Keep the number by every phone.

Fireworks and toddlers don’t mix

Young children should not be allowed to play with fireworks under any circumstances.

Sparklers, often mistakenly considered a safe firework for young children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. The sparks that are emitted can easily cause burns to hands and exposed skin. Young children cannot understand the danger involved and often will not act appropriately in case of an emergency.

Have a pool?

Make sure adults are trained in life-saving techniques and CPR so they can rescue a child if necessary.

Direct sun and tots

If you will be in direct sun for any length of time apply some sun block/screen on your baby/toddler. There are products made just for their young, sensitive skin.

Water temperature

To prevent burns, set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, never leave cups of hot liquid on tables or counter edges, and never carry hot liquids or food while holding your child.

Toddler injuries

The toddler years could be called the first-aid years. Your baby’s rapidly increasing mobility will give her many more chances to injure herself, so watch out.

Scary experiences

A deeply stressful or scary experience such as a car accident or fire challenges a toddler’s sense of security. Dealing with the source of the trauma timely can reduce the toddler’s anxiety.

Test your smoke alarms today.

The holidays are a good time to test your smoke alarm and change the batteries.

Common items can be bathroom dangers

Keep items like mouthwash, toothpaste and other kid hazard items away. Plungers can make a fun (if not disgusting) play toy to a toddler; don’t leave one by the toilet.

Choking hazards

Be on constant guard for small toys and objects that can be choking hazards, batteries, coins, marbles, and pieces of toys from older siblings.

Pool safety tip

Always enclose pools, ponds or hot tubs and put a safety fence between any water source and the house.

Hot drink safety tip

Drink hot beverages out of spill-proof and unbreakable travel mugs to avoid burns.

choking hazard at age 2+

Many people assume if their 2 year old has teeth, they can’t choke on a grape, but don’t choke due to a lack of chewing ability but rather if they are not securely and can get distracted.

Bathroom safety tip

Avoid expensive plumber calls, keep the toilet lid down and locked when not in use.

Learn child first aid and CPR

Learn child first aid and CPR. Be prepared. Know how to call for help, including poison control. The national toll-free line for poison control is 1-800-222-1222.

Practice kid safety in the kitchen

Toddlers gravitate to the kitchen. Practice kid safety in the kitchen by cooking on the back burners and turn pot handles away so they aren’t in reach.

Poison Control hotline

Post the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) and other emergency numbers next to every phone.