Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years - Overview

Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years

Overview

What can you do to help keep your child safe?

No one can watch a child's every move or make a home 100% safe all the time. But try to find a balance among supervising your child, taking safety precautions, and allowing your child to explore. Your child can't understand and recognize danger. You need to take steps to keep your child safe from everyday hazards, both inside and outside the home. And your child's immune system isn't fully developed. This makes it more likely that your child will get bacterial and viral infections.

Here are some basic tips:

  • Supervise your child both inside and outside the house.

    For example, always use a car seat, and watch your child closely when he or she interacts with pets.

  • Practice healthy habits.

    Protect your child against illness and infection. For example, wash your hands often, keep toys clean, make sure your child is immunized, and go to all well-child visits. Be sure that all visitors are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

  • Take safety measures around the home.

    For example, use sliding gates in front of stairs, and keep rubber bands and other small objects out of reach. And always place your baby to sleep on his or her back.

How can your stress level affect your child's safety?

Taking care of yourself is a vital part of keeping your child safe. Most injuries to children occur when parents or caregivers are tired, hungry, or emotionally drained or are having relationship problems. Other common causes of family stress include changes in daily routines, moving to a new house, and expecting another child.

If you feel stressed, get help. Talk to your doctor or your child's doctor, or see a counselor. Get together regularly with friends. Or you can join a parenting group.

Call 911 right away if you feel that you are about to hurt yourself or your child.

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Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board

All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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