Safe and sound



5 ways to reduce safety risks for young children

5 ways to reduce safety risks for young children


As parents, one of your top priorities is the safety and well-being of your children. With all the potential pitfalls of day-to-day life, however, navigating the risks can be difficult.

These everyday safety tips can help you navigate everything from car seat safety to baby-proofing and safe sleep, keeping your child out of harm’s way as much as possible from birth through his or her toddler years.

Car Seat Safety

  • Always use a valid (typically less than 6 years old), federally approved car seat in motor vehicles.
  • Ensure the seat is properly installed. Refer to the instruction manual with any questions.
  • If you use an infant carrier, strap your child in on the floor, never a counter or tabletop.
  • For at least the first two years of your child’s life, the car seat should be rear-facing.
  • The safest location for a car seat is in the middle of the back seat.
READ MORE: Little Explorers need a Safety Net Too

Choking Prevention

  • Avoid giving your child nuts, popcorn, hard candies, hot dogs and raw fruits and vegetables, such as grapes or carrots, that may present a choking hazard.
  • Never prop up a bottle and leave your baby unattended.
  • Inspect toys often to ensure they’re not broken and do not have small pieces that could easily become detached.
  • Be cautious of strings and buttons on clothing.

Safe Sleep

  • The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, which reduces the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Avoid placing anything in the crib or bassinet that may suffocate your child, such as pillows, blankets or bumpers.
  • Keep your child’s room at a moderate temperature and dress him or her appropriately to avoid overheating.
  • Never leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, changing table, swing or infant seat.

Water Safety

  • Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 F.
  • Test the temperature of bath water before setting your baby in the tub.
  • Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub.
  • Keep toilet lids down and consider installing toilet lid locks.

Baby-Proofing

  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
  • Secure cords on blinds and drapes out of reach.
  • Keep sharp objects, such as knives, scissors and tools, and other hazardous items, like coins, beads and pins, in a secure place out of baby’s reach.
  • Store cleaning products and medications in locked cabinets. Never store potentially toxic substances in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink.
  • Cover all electrical outlets.
  • Cushion hard edges and sharp corners of furniture and decor.
  • Secure cords to electrical items along baseboards using electrical tape.
  • Attach heavy or tall furniture to the wall and avoid placing items that could fall, like electronics or lamps, on top of dressers or shelves.
  • Install safety gates with straight, vertical slats securely in front of all stairwells.

Find more tips and ideas to keep your children safe at home and on the go at eLivingtoday.com.

Courtesy Family Features

Photo: Getty Images



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Nourish family connections with every bite

    Boost social, emotional and physical health with egg-inspired recipes

    Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food. read more »
  • Lasers: A safer alternative to weight-loss drugs?

    Information to help you make the decision that is right for you

    Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity because of their quick results and use among celebrities and influencers. J.P. Morgan predicts that by 2030, 30 million Americans will use them. read more »
  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »
  • What you don't know can hurt

    3 facts about updated COVID-19 vaccines

    Four and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are once again enjoying time with friends and family and doing their favorite things. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, so it’s still important to stay up to date on your vaccinations. read more »
  • Fall respiratory virus vaccines

    What pregnant people need to know

    Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. read more »
  • DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests

    Show off your photography skills

    DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the return of DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests. The two photo contests are a popular way for New Yorkers and visitors to show off the incredible array of fall foliage throughout New York State during October. read more »
  • The truth about women and heart disease

    7 steps you can take

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Although it is largely preventable, each year more than 300,000 women, or 1 in every 5, die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. read more »