As parents, our top priority is to keep our children safe and healthy. However, even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that can put our child’s health at risk.

Here are 10 common mistakes that parents make that can endanger their child’s health:.

1. Not Vaccinating Your Child

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from dangerous diseases. However, some parents choose not to vaccinate their children out of fear of side effects or because of misinformation.

This can put their child at risk for illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

2. Allowing Too Much Screen Time

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of letting our children spend too much time in front of a screen. Too much screen time has been linked to obesity, sleep problems, and developmental delays.

It’s important to limit our children’s screen time and encourage them to engage in physical activity and creative play.

3. Not Buckling Up

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury among children. It’s important to make sure that your child is properly buckled up in a car seat or booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt.

Research has shown that car seats reduce the risk of death in car crashes by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

4. Ignoring Food Allergies

Food allergies can be life-threatening, but some parents may overlook them or dismiss them as minor inconveniences. It’s important to take food allergies seriously and to make sure that your child avoids any foods that they are allergic to.

This may require reading ingredient lists carefully and educating others, such as family members and teachers.

5. Neglecting Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, but it’s often overlooked. Neglecting oral health can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even more serious health problems, such as heart disease.

Make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day, flosses daily, and sees a dentist regularly.

6. Not Supervising Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is important for children’s physical and emotional well-being, but it’s important to supervise them to make sure that they are safe.

Unsupervised outdoor play can put your child at risk for injuries, such as falls, cuts, and bruises. Make sure that your child plays in a safe area and that you are always aware of their activities.

7. Overlooking Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it’s often overlooked in children. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can have a significant impact on a child’s well-being and development.

It’s important to pay attention to your child’s emotional health and to seek help if you notice any signs of a problem.

8. Not Covering Up in the Sun

Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It’s important to protect your child’s skin by covering them up with clothing and a hat and by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Make sure that your child avoids the sun during peak hours, from 10am to 4pm.

9. Not Teaching Proper Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, but many children don’t know how to wash their hands properly.

Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.

10. Giving Too Much Medication

Over-the-counter medications can be helpful for treating minor illnesses, but they can be dangerous when used improperly. Giving your child too much medication or the wrong medication can cause serious side effects or even death.

Always read the label carefully and consult with a healthcare provider before giving your child any medication.