Check outdoor playground equipment.

Check outdoor playground equipment. Make sure there are no loose parts or sharp edges.

Table safety tip

Do not place hot fluids on tablecloths in case the child pulls on the tablecloth.

Plan for problems in public

Teach your children to know and use your first & last name in a public place. If they become separated from you, they’ll be able to tell authorities their Mommy or Daddy’s name. Plus the fastest way to get your attention is to hear your own name.

Toddler proofing the outdoors

If the outdoor area is adjacent to your house, then arrange proper fencing to prevent your toddler from going out of your area to the front road.

Attach a gate with the fencing and keep it closed. This will ensure that your kid can play safely inside the fenced area.

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Co-sleeping safety tip

When co-sleeping make sure your mattress fits snugly in the bed frame so that your baby won’t become trapped in between the frame and the mattress.

Home safety tip

Place safety latches on all doors and cabinets, especially where cleaning products and medicines are located.

baby gate safety tip

Exercise caution when accepting hand-me-down baby gates, for they may not be as safe as todays models.

Water and toddlers don’t mix

Never leave your toddler near or around water (that is, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching her.

Childproofing survey

Do a “childproofing” survey of your home. A child’s-eye view home survey should systematically go from room to room, removing all the “booby traps” that await the curious toddler or preschooler. Think of poisons, small objects, electrical outlets, sharp edges, knives and firearms, and places to fall.

Washing hands

Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.

Car Seat Tip

Ensure that the car seats does not move more than an inch in any direction. See your car seat’s owners manual to determine what can be done about it, if they move more than that.

Electricity and kids

Do not leave children unsupervised around any kind of electrical lighting or open flame.

Drinking Liquids with kids around

Never drink hot objects while your child is sitting on your lap. Sudden movements can cause a spill.

Car Seat Buying Guide

The American Academy of Pediatrics has one of the most comprehensive buying guides complete with a side by side comparison of the major brands on the market.

Toddler Bed Location

Choose the location of your toddler’s bed with care. Keep away from extremes of temperature such as windows, doors or radiators and strangling hazards such as blind cords. Make sure that your toddler cannot become trapped between the side of the bed and the wall.

Thick coats and child seats.

Parents everywhere bring out their babies’ winter coats or snowsuits to keep baby warm during travel. However, thick winter coats or snowsuits can compromise your child’s car seat safety.

In order for a baby car seat or toddler booster seat to function properly, the straps need to remain tight against the child’s chest.

Toddler Seat

Ensure that the toddler will enjoy a more comfortable ride. Buy a well-padded seat with plenty of head and back support. Also, make sure he can move his arms freely.

Holiday Hazards

Take an inventory of potential hazards you have in your home after decorating and pay special attention to electrical decorations. Christmas lights hung or strung across a wall or window are no exception. These may be low enough for a small child to grab before you can notice.

Christmas Tree Safety

To keep your child from getting to the Christmas tree, place it inside of a large play yard and scoot the tree toward the wall out of reach.

Hanukkah Safety Tip

Make sure to keep your Hanukkah menorah on a high surface, and not too close to the edge of a table. Never leave a child alone in a room with lit candles.