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Child Safety

Most childhood injuries can be prevented by watching our children carefully and childproofing our home. This way, our children can be safe while they explore their surroundings.
To find the dangers in your home, look at every room from the point of view of your child. Get down on your hands and knees and check for dangerous situations and objects. Remember, your baby learns by exploring—anything she finds may go in her mouth.
Make sure that relatives, babysitters and others who care for your baby also follow these safety tips.

Child Safety

Safety in Your Neighborhood

  • Don’t let small children play outside alone or in an unfenced yard.
  • Make sure you know where your children are at all times.
  • Know their friends and the places and homes they visit.
  • Don’t put your child’s name on the outside of her clothes or backpack.
  • Teach your child her full name, address and phone number in case she gets lost.
  • Tell your children to say no if someone tries to touch them or treats them in a way that scares or upsets them. Tell them to get away quickly and tell you or another trusted adult.
  • As your child grows, have her practice using pay telephones and going to the restroom with a friend.
  • For more tips, call National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or visit www.missingkids.com.

Never Leave Small Children Alone in the Bathroom

  • Keep the door locked with a childproof latch.
  • Keep medicines, scissors, razors, cosmetics and toiletries in cabinets with safety latches. Keep medicines in their childproof containers.
  • To prevent burns, set the water heater at 120° F and test the water with the inside of your wrist or a thermometer.
  • Use slip-proof mats inside and outside of the tub.
  • Always drain the tub and keep the toilet lid closed. A child can drown in a few inches of water.
  • Unplug appliances and keep them out of reach so your child can’t pull them into the water.

Things You Can Do

Where to Find Help

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Safety
Put some safe items like measuring cups and spoons in a low drawer where your child can reach them.

Never Leave Small Children Alone in the Bathroom

  • Safety
    • Keep the door locked with a childproof latch.
    • Keep medicines, scissors, razors, cosmetics and toiletries in cabinets with safety latches. Keep medicines in their childproof containers.
    • To prevent burns, set the water heater at 120° F and test the water with the inside of your wrist or a thermometer.
    • Use slip-proof mats inside and outside of the tub.
    • Always drain the tub and keep the toilet lid closed. A child can drown in a few inches of water.
    • Unplug appliances and keep them out of reach so your child can’t pull them into the water.