Prevention

Each new learning stage for your baby requires increased attention on your part to prevent an injury. It may surprise you how fast your baby can move from one stage to the next. Being aware of your baby's abilities and what skills he or she is likely to develop next will help you prevent injuries. To help you keep track of important safety features, use the nursery equipment safety checklist.

Always be gentle with your baby. Be sure to protect your baby from a brain injury. Shaking or slapping a baby in anger can cause an injury to the brain. If a baby has been shaken or slapped, it is your responsibility to notify your doctor.

Be aware of your baby's risk of falling. Watch your baby carefully.

• Never leave your baby alone in high places, such as on a tabletop, in a crib with the sides down, or even on a bed or sofa.
• Do not leave your baby alone in any infant seat or "sitting" toy, such as a swing or jumper. Use all the safety straps provided.

Take steps to prevent falls:

• Use stair gates to block stairways. Use gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, and use the gates properly.
• Do not use baby walkers. Walkers have caused many injuries and are not safe even if the baby is watched closely.
• Keep your baby away from elevated porches, decks, and landings.
• Watch your toddler when he or she is outside. Uneven grass, sloping lawns, and hills may increase your toddler's risk of falling.
• Make your home safe from falls by removing hazards that might cause a fall.

Practice good safety habits early so your child will continue them when he or she is older:

• Place children in an approved child car seat when traveling in a motor vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing and securing the seat.
• Have your children wear helmets whenever necessary, such as when they are passengers on a bike or riding a tricycle on their own.
• Set a good example by always using your seat belt when traveling in a motor vehicle. Wear a helmet and other protective clothing whenever you are biking, skateboarding, skiing, motorcycling, skating, kayaking, horseback riding, or rock climbing.
• Do not keep guns in your home. If you must keep guns, lock them up and store them unloaded and uncocked. Lock bullets in a separate area.

For more information on health and safety for children, see the topics Health and Safety, Age Birth to 2 Years or Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years.