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 Safety
3 to 6 months
While your baby is not likely to be able to get into too much trouble at this age, it is your job as a parent to anticipate what she will soon be able to do and make sure that her surroundings are safety-proofed accordingly. At this age, that means never leaving her at any height unattended or unsecured, since she's likely to begin rolling at any time now (if she hasn't already). And given that she's becoming more mobile, take the time now to crawl around your house and protect sharp corners, secure electrical cords, remove small objects, and place all dangerous or fragile objects safely out of reach. 6 to 12 months Now that your baby is becoming mobile, you'll want to make sure to double-check that his surroundings are safety-proofed accordingly — from your living room floor to his bedroom and crib. Take the time to crawl around your house and protect sharp corners, secure electrical cords, place all dangerous or fragile objects safely out of reach, and check to make sure that he won't be able to grab or pull up on unsteady or breakable furniture. Pay close attention to keeping small objects away from your child, and remember that while your baby will likely be eating solid foods, 6- to 9-month-olds generally need to have their foods pureed, mashed, or cut into tiny pieces to prevent choking. 12 to 24 months With a very active toddler in the house, you'll want to make sure that his environment is well child-proofed. Assume that your child can get into things that were previously considered out of reach. Scan each room and think about what your child might be able to get into, taking the time to reorganize your kitchen drawers and cabinets, remove sharp objects from lower drawers and garbage cans, and make sure windows and stairs are well protected. Continue to pay close attention to keeping small objects away from your child (and out of his mouth). 2 years Not only should you make sure that dangerous household objects and products are kept safely out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet, but you should also start teaching your child about safety. Instead of just stating the rules, make a point of discussing why car seats and seatbelts are so important, why playing with scissors is not allowed, or why medicines should only be taken if you give them to her. Insist that your child wear a bike helmet from the day she starts riding anything with wheels. 3 to 4 years Safety principles at this age often focus on the risks of increased mobility — from not running with lollipop sticks in one's mouth to not running into the street. This is the time to teach your child the importance of wearing a properly fitting bike helmet while riding any type of bicycle or tricycle, to make sure he is always well secured in an appropriate car seat, and to convince him early on of the importance of buckling up. Most of all, be sure to set a good example for your child and practice what you preach! Return to Ages and Stages main page Back to top
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