Choking hazzard

Reduce the risk of choking by avoiding small hard foods such as nuts, raw carrot, hard lollies and popcorn. Offer lightly steamed vegetable sticks instead.

Christmas tree safety tip

Use LED lights that burn cool so your child does not get burnt if they should grab a Christmas light inadvertently.

Hanukkah safety tips

Place the Hanukkah menorah out of the reach of small children and curious pets.
The flames from lighted candles and oils can not only burn tots and pets, but can create a fire hazard threatening the safety of other members in the household. If you place a lighted menorah near a window, pull back draperies and remove other flammable objects.

Teething choking hazards

When teething, do not give your child frozen bagels, hard vegetables, like carrots or frozen food item. These things are choking hazards and could be very dangerous if a piece breaks off.

Flashlights at Halloween

Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.

Magnet danger

Watch carefully for loose magnets. If more than one is swallowed, they can attract each other in the body and cause serious injury or even death.

Determining choking hazards

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.

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.

Safety for outdoor railings

If you have a deck, make sure the space between the railings is less than 4 inches. If it’s not, put up some kind of netting or protective shield. One Step Ahead sells a fantastic clear plastic protector that I’ve used for years.

When the sun is most intense

Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are most intense. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days, the sun can be just as strong; you’ll want to use these same precautions on those days as well.

Sunscreen sensitivity

Try a lotion or creamy product with an SPF between 15 and 30, and test a small area on your child’s arm first to see if she’s sensitive to a particular sunscreen.

Asthma and air quality

If your toddler has asthma, then you may already be familiar with air quality alerts. Poor quality air is fertile ground for asthma attacks, a serious summer health risk for toddlers with asthma. Check your local news or online each morning to determine the status of air where you live and make plans accordingly.

Babyproofing the backyard

The backyard should be considered another ‘room’ and should be childproofed just as an indoor room would be.

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.

Make the family tub safe

Bathtubs are incredibly slippery, so outfit yours with a rubber bath mat for more secure seating. A cushioned spout cover can protect your toddler’s head from painful bumps. Also, be sure that any sliding glass shower doors are made from safety glass.

Swimming safety

Swimming is a favorite summertime activity. It’s also as major summer health risk for toddlers. Even if your toddler has taken a swimming course, they should be supervised at all times when in or near water.

Social media warning

Parents should start by educating themselves about social media. Sign up for the services your children are on and read up about them. Find out what the dangers are and discuss them with your children.

Car seat fact

Did you know 98% of car seats are installed incorrectly?

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.

Food hazards for toddlers

Toddler’s have one-third the jaw strength of an adult. Softer meats are good alternatives, such as fish, hamburger and high quality lunchmeats.