How to Keep Your Child Safe at Every Age

The safety of children is always a top priority for parents, mainly because as the little ones grow, their safety needs change. Take a look at this guideline for at least the first decade:

Babies – newborn to 12 months

Bringing home your newborn is both an amazing and scary experience tied together. To help your new little bundle of joy stay safe:

• Have your new baby sleep on his or her back and do not keep any stuffed animals or extra blankets in the crib.

• Ensure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed and use a rear facing car seat until the age of one or longer.

• Remember to buy toys that are age appropriate and that do not have small items that can be taken off easily and become a choking hazard.

Toddlers – one to four years

Your new baby has grown so quickly and he/she is walking around the house and exploring their new world. To keep your toddler safe:

• Child proof your home. Add latches to cabinets and covers to electrical outlets and use gates to keep your toddler from unwanted areas.

• After age one (and 20 pounds) your toddler can now move to a forward facing car seat. Leading manufacturer Evenflo’s Triumph Convertible car seat can be used as both rear facing and forward facing.

• Never leave children in the car by themselves. In the summer heat, stroke can happen in minutes.

Big Kids – five to nine years

At this age children are going to school and are becoming more independent. To keep your big kid safe:

• Always keep your child in the back seat of the car. In the event of a car accident front seat air bags are powerful and can do more harm than good.

• Wear a helmet. When teaching your child to ride their bike make sure they are wearing a helmet at all times and that it fits properly.

• When playing sports like soccer make sure your child is staying hydrated.

No matter the age, kids are going to fall, slip and tumble and get bruises, this is all part of growing up, but there are the little things you can do to keep them safe.

You can join the conversation @EvenfloBabyCA on Twitter.

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