Keeping Me Safe

I am getting more active and interested in exploring the world around me. What was safe one day may not be safe the next day. I need you to make sure that I am safe and protected, both inside and outside my home.

Most childhood injuries can be predicted and prevented.

Here are some simple guidelines to help keep me safe between 12 and 18 months old#and beyond.

Falls are the leading cause of hospital visits for childhood injuries

• If I can climb out of my crib, it is time to move me into a low bed.
• I can stack pillows, stuffed animals and other toys to climb out of my crib. Keep my crib free of things I can stack and climb on.
• Do not leave stepping stones, like chairs or stools, next to a kitchen counter or other high place where I can climb.
• Motorized riding toys look like a lot of fun, but I am not ready for these kinds of toys.
• If we have a balcony, don't leave furniture on it that I can use to climb over the railing.
• Make sure all of our windows have screens that I can't push out.

Sun Safety

• Keep me out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Put sunscreen on me when I am in the sun. I should also wear light clothing, hats and sunglasses for protection from the sun.

Car Safety

• One of the most important things you can do to keep me safe is to put me in an approved car seat every time we travel by car.
• When installing my car seat, always read your instruction manual for the seat and the owner manual for your vehicle.
• I might fight to get out of my car seat but don't let me win. My car seat is the safest place for me to be if we stop suddenly or are in a collision.
• I am safest when you put my car seat in the back seat. Never put me in the front seat if our car has a passenger-side air bag.
• Don't forget to use the tether on the back of my car seat.
• If we are using a used car seat, it is best to have it inspected at a Car Seat Clinic.
• Talk to our community health nurse if you have any questions about installing and using my car seat.

House and Neighborhood

• Make sure purses or suitcases containing medicine for our visitors are out of reach.
• Hold onto me whenever we are near traffic.
• Do not dress me in clothes with drawstrings. The string can catch on playground equipment or furniture and choke me.
• If we have an automatic garage door closer, always make sure that I am well away from the door before closing it.
• If we have a swing set or other climbing toys in our yard, make sure they are on a soft surface like grass, sand or wood chips. Stay with me whenever I am playing outside.
• Please put a helmet on me when you take me for a ride in a bicycle seat or pull-along trailer.

Fire Safety

• Keep lighters and matches far out of my reach.