As a parent, the safety of your baby is always a top priority. However, accidents can still happen, especially as babies start to become more mobile and curious. Here are some tips to prevent common baby injuries:.

Falls

Babies are prone to falling as they learn to crawl, stand, and walk. To prevent falls:.

Keep a close eye on your baby and stay within arm’s reach when they are on elevated surfaces, such as changing tables, cribs, and sofas.
Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to keep your baby from falling down them.
Secure furniture, such as bookshelves and dressers, to the wall so they do not tip over if your baby tries to climb on them.
Provide a soft, cushioned surface for your baby to play on, such as a play mat or carpet.

Burns

Babies are curious and may be drawn to hot surfaces or objects. To prevent burns:.

Keep hot drinks and food out of reach of your baby.
Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent accidental scalds.
Use back burner stove to heat up food and ensure that the handles are turned away from the edge of the stove so that your baby cannot reach them.
Have fireplace screens and keep all fires attended to be safe.

Cuts

Babies can easily cut themselves on sharp objects or edges. To prevent cuts:.

Install corner guards on furniture to soften the edges.
Keep knives and scissors out of reach of your baby.
Place covers on electrical outlets to prevent your baby from inserting objects into outlet prongs.
Secure cords or cables to prevent your baby from pulling them and injuring himself or herself.

Poisoning

Babies can be poisoned by ingesting harmful substances. To prevent poisoning:.

Keep all medications, chemicals, and cleaning supplies out of reach and locked away in a cabinet or drawer.
Store all chemicals in a secure place with the labels looking towards the front so that you can easily identify them in case a response is needed.
Be mindful of common plants that are toxic and remove or keep them out of reach from your baby.
Dispose of batteries safely and don’t allow battery-operated items to be played with by your baby.

Choking

Babies love to explore with their mouths which make them extremely susceptible to choking. To prevent choking:.

Keep small objects out of reach and off the floors, such as coins, marbles, and beads.
Make sure any toys given to your baby are age appropriate and aren’t too small for his or her mouth.
Always supervise your baby during meal time to prevent choking risk.
Learn infant and child CPR – it can save a life! Sign up for a class in your area.

Conclusion

Preventing baby injuries can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on a few key areas and taking some precautions, you can help keep your baby safe.

Remember to supervise your baby whenever possible, secure your home for your child’s development stage and consult your pediatrician if you have any specific concerns. With these tips in mind, you can focus on enjoying your little one’s milestones and growth.