Safety
-
Safety for Your Child
Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death of children younger than 4 years in the United States? Most of these injuries can be prevented.
Often, injuries happen because parents are not aware of what their children can do. At this age your child can walk, run, climb, jump, and explore everything. Because of all the new things he or she can do, this stage is a very dangerous time in your child's life. It is your responsibility to protect your child from injury. Your child cannot understand danger or remember "no" while exploring.
Firearm Hazards
Children in homes where guns are present are in more danger of being shot by themselves, their friends, or family members than of being injured by an intruder. It is best to keep all guns out of the home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you choose to keep a gun, keep it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Ask if the homes where your child visits or is cared for have guns and how they are stored.
Poisonings
Children continue to explore their world by putting everything in their mouths, even if it doesn't taste good. Your child can open doors and drawers, take things apart, and open bottles easily now, so you must use safety caps on all medicines and toxic household products. Keep the safety caps on at all times or find safer substitutes to use. Contact Poison Help for more information.
Your child is now able to get into and on top of everything. Be sure to keep all household products and medicines completely out of sight and reach. Never store lye drain cleaners in your home. Keep all products in their original containers.
If your child does put something poisonous into his or her mouth, call Poison Help immediately. Attach the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) to your phone.
Do not make your child vomit.
Falls
To prevent serious falls, lock the doors to any dangerous areas. Use gates on stairways and install operable window guards above the first floor. Remove sharp-edged furniture from the room your child plays and sleeps in. At this age your child will walk well and start to climb, jump, and run as well. A chair left next to a kitchen counter, table, or window allows your child to climb to dangerously high places. Remember, your child does not understand what is dangerous.
If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor.
Burns
The kitchen is a dangerous place for your child during meal preparation. Hot liquids, grease, and hot foods spilled on your child will cause serious burns. A safer place for your child while you are cooking, eating, or unable to give him your full attention is the playpen, crib, or stationary activity center, or buckled into a high chair. It's best to keep your child out of the kitchen while cooking.
Children who are learning to walk will grab anything to steady themselves, including hot oven doors, wall heaters, or outdoor grills. Keep your child out of rooms where there are hot objects that may be touched or put a barrier around them.
Your child will reach for your hot food or cup of coffee, so don't leave it within your child's reach. NEVER carry your child and hot liquids at the same time. You can't handle both.
If your child does get burned, immediately put cold water on the burned area. Keep the burned area in cold water for a few minutes to cool it off. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth. Call your doctor for all burns. To protect your child from tap water scalds, the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120°F. In many cases you can adjust your water heater.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially in furnace and sleeping areas. Test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year.
Drowning
At this age your child loves to play in water. NEVER leave your child alone in or near a bathtub, pail of water, wading or swimming pool, or any other water, even for a moment. Empty all buckets after each use. Keep the bathroom doors closed. Your child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Knowing how to swim does NOT mean your child is safe near or in water. Stay within an arm's length of your child around water.
If you have a swimming pool, fence it on all 4 sides with a fence at least 4 feet high, and be sure the gates are self-latching. Most children drown when they wander out of the house and fall into a pool that is not fenced off from the house. You cannot watch your child every minute while he or she is in the house. It only takes a moment for your child to get out of your house and fall into your pool.
And Remember Car Safety
Car crashes are a great danger to your child's life and health. The crushing forces to your child's brain and body in a crash or sudden stop, even at low speeds, can cause severe injuries or death. To prevent these injuries USE a car safety seat EVERY TIME your child rides in the car. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. Be sure that the safety seat is installed correctly. Read and follow the instructions that come with the car safety seat and the instructions for using car safety seats in the owners' manual of your car.
The safest place for all infants and children to ride is in the back seat.
Do not leave your child alone in or around the car. Keep vehicles and their trunks locked. Children who are left in a car can die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
They can be strangled by power windows or knock the vehicle into gear.
Always walk behind your car to be sure your child is not there before you back out of your driveway. You may not see your child behind your car in the rearview mirror.
Remember, the biggest threat to your child's life and health is an injury.
-
Safety for Your Child
Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death of children younger than 4 years in the United States? Most of these injuries can be prevented.
Often, injuries happen because parents are not aware of what their children can do. At this age your child can walk, run, climb, jump, and explore everything. Because of all the new things he or she can do, this stage is a very dangerous time in your child's life. It is your responsibility to protect your child from injury. Your child cannot understand danger or remember "no" while exploring.
Firearm Hazards
Children in homes where guns are present are in more danger of being shot by themselves, their friends, or family members than of being injured by an intruder. It is best to keep all guns out of the home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you choose to keep a gun, keep it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Ask if the homes where your child visits or is cared for have guns and how they are stored.
Poisonings
Children continue to explore their world by putting everything in their mouths, even if it doesn't taste good. Your child can open doors and drawers, take things apart, and open bottles easily now, so you must use safety caps on all medicines and toxic household products. Keep the safety caps on at all times or find safer substitutes to use. Contact Poison Help for more information.
Your child is now able to get into and on top of everything. Be sure to keep all household products and medicines completely out of sight and reach. Never store lye drain cleaners in your home. Keep all products in their original containers.
If your child does put something poisonous into his or her mouth, call Poison Help immediately. Attach the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) to your phone.
Do not make your child vomit.
Falls
To prevent serious falls, lock the doors to any dangerous areas. Use gates on stairways and install operable window guards above the first floor. Remove sharp-edged furniture from the room your child plays and sleeps in. At this age your child will walk well and start to climb, jump, and run as well. A chair left next to a kitchen counter, table, or window allows your child to climb to dangerously high places. Remember, your child does not understand what is dangerous.
If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor.
Burns
The kitchen is a dangerous place for your child during meal preparation. Hot liquids, grease, and hot foods spilled on your child will cause serious burns. A safer place for your child while you are cooking, eating, or unable to give him your full attention is the playpen, crib, or stationary activity center, or buckled into a high chair. It's best to keep your child out of the kitchen while cooking.
Children who are learning to walk will grab anything to steady themselves, including hot oven doors, wall heaters, or outdoor grills. Keep your child out of rooms where there are hot objects that may be touched or put a barrier around them.
Your child will reach for your hot food or cup of coffee, so don't leave it within your child's reach. NEVER carry your child and hot liquids at the same time. You can't handle both.
If your child does get burned, immediately put cold water on the burned area. Keep the burned area in cold water for a few minutes to cool it off. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth. Call your doctor for all burns. To protect your child from tap water scalds, the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120°F. In many cases you can adjust your water heater.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially in furnace and sleeping areas. Test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year.
Drowning
At this age your child loves to play in water. NEVER leave your child alone in or near a bathtub, pail of water, wading or swimming pool, or any other water, even for a moment. Empty all buckets after each use. Keep the bathroom doors closed. Your child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Knowing how to swim does NOT mean your child is safe near or in water. Stay within an arm's length of your child around water.
If you have a swimming pool, fence it on all 4 sides with a fence at least 4 feet high, and be sure the gates are self-latching. Most children drown when they wander out of the house and fall into a pool that is not fenced off from the house. You cannot watch your child every minute while he or she is in the house. It only takes a moment for your child to get out of your house and fall into your pool.
And Remember Car Safety
Car crashes are a great danger to your child's life and health. The crushing forces to your child's brain and body in a crash or sudden stop, even at low speeds, can cause severe injuries or death. To prevent these injuries USE a car safety seat EVERY TIME your child rides in the car. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. Be sure that the safety seat is installed correctly. Read and follow the instructions that come with the car safety seat and the instructions for using car safety seats in the owners' manual of your car.
The safest place for all infants and children to ride is in the back seat.
Do not leave your child alone in or around the car. Keep vehicles and their trunks locked. Children who are left in a car can die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
They can be strangled by power windows or knock the vehicle into gear.
Always walk behind your car to be sure your child is not there before you back out of your driveway. You may not see your child behind your car in the rearview mirror.
Remember, the biggest threat to your child's life and health is an injury.
-
Safety for Your Child
Did you know that hundreds of children younger than 1 year die every year in the United States because of injuries — most of which can be prevented?
Often, injuries happen because parents are not aware of what their children can do. Your child is a fast learner and will suddenly be able to roll over, crawl, sit, and stand. Your child may climb before walking, or walk with support months before you expect. Your child will grasp at almost anything and reach things he or she could not reach before.
Falls
Because of your child's new abilities, he or she will fall often. Protect your child from injury. Use gates on stairways and doors. Install operable window guards on all windows above the first floor. Remove sharp-edged or hard furniture from the room where your child plays.
Do not use a baby walker. Your child may tip it over, fall out of it, or fall down the stairs in it. Baby walkers allow children to get to places where they can pull hot foods or heavy objects down on themselves.
If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor.
Burns
At 6 to 12 months children grab at everything. NEVER leave cups of hot coffee on tables or counter edges. And NEVER carry hot liquids or food near your child or while holding your child. He or she could get burned. Also, if your child is left to crawl or walk around stoves, wall or floor heaters, or other hot appliances, he or she is likely to get burned. A safer place for your child while you are cooking, eating, or unable to provide your full attention is the playpen, crib, or stationary activity center, or buckled into a high chair.
If your child does get burned, put cold water on the burned area immediately. Keep the burned area in cold water for a few minutes to cool it off. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth. Call your doctor for all burns. To protect your child from tap water scalds, the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120°F. In many cases you can adjust your water heater.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially in furnace and sleeping areas. Test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year.
Drowning
At this age your child loves to play in water. Empty all the water from a bathtub, pail, or any container of water immediately after use. Keep the door to the bathroom closed. NEVER leave your child alone in or near a bathtub, pail of water, wading or swimming pool, or any other water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen in less than 2 inches of water. Knowing how to swim does NOT mean your child is safe in or near water. Stay within an arm's length of your child around water.
If you have a swimming pool, now is the time to install a fence that separates the house from the pool. The pool should be fenced in on all 4 sides. Most children drown when they wander out of the house and fall into a pool that is not fenced off from the house. Be prepared — install a fence around your pool now, before your child begins to walk!
Poisoning and Choking
Your child will explore the world by putting anything and everything into his or her mouth. NEVER leave small objects or balloons in your child's reach, even for a moment. Don't feed your child hard pieces of food such as hot dogs, raw carrots, grapes, peanuts, or popcorn. Cut all of his or her food into thin slices to prevent choking.
Be prepared if your child starts to choke. Learn how to save the life of a choking child. Ask your doctor to recommend the steps you need to take.
Children will put everything into their mouths, even if it doesn't taste good. Many ordinary things in your house can be poisonous to your child. Be sure to keep household products such as cleaners, chemicals, and medicines up, up, and away, completely out of sight and reach. Never store lye drain cleaners in your home. Use safety latches or locks on drawers and cupboards. Remember, your child doesn't understand or remember "no" while exploring.
If your child does eat something that could be poisonous, call the Poison Help number at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Do not make your child vomit.
Strangulation and Suffocation
Place your baby's crib away from windows. Cords from window blinds and draperies can strangle your child.
Use cordless window coverings, or if this is not possible, tie cords high and out of reach. Do not knot cords together.
Plastic wrappers and bags form a tight seal if placed over the mouth and nose and may suffocate your child. Keep them away from your child.
And Remember Car Safety
Car crashes are a great danger to your child's life and health. Most injuries and deaths caused by car crashes can be prevented by the use of car safety seats EVERY TIME your child is in the car. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are at least 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. A rear-facing car safety seat should NEVER be placed in front of a passenger air bag. Your child, besides being much safer in a car safety seat, will behave better so you can pay attention to your driving. The safest place for all infants and children to ride is in the back seat.
Do not leave your child alone in a car. Keep vehicles and their trunks locked. Children who are left in a car can die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
Remember, the biggest threat to your child's life and health is an injury.
-
How can I tell if a helmet will keep my child safe?
You should only buy a helmet that meets the bicycle helmet safety standards of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Any helmet meeting these standards is labeled. Check the inside of the helmet for confirmation.
Do all helmets meet these standards?
All helmets manufactured or imported for use after March 1999 must comply with a mandatory safety standard issued by the CPSC.
Can other kinds of helmets be used for bicycling?
Each type of helmet is designed for protection in specific conditions and may not offer enough protection in bike crashes or falls. Bike helmets are very protective in headfirst falls at fairly high speeds and are light and well ventilated for comfort and acceptability. A multisport helmet, certified to meet the CPSC standard for bicycle helmets, is also acceptable.
Where can I get a helmet?
Helmets meeting CPSC safety standards are available at bicycle shops and at some discount, department, and toy stores in adult, children, and toddler sizes and styles. If you buy a helmet online, buy from a familiar retailer based in the United States and check the label to be sure it meets the CPSC standard. Do not resell, donate, or buy a used bike helmet because it may be too old to provide protection or may have been in a crash.
Which is better, hard-shell or soft-shell helmets?
The essential part of the helmet for impact protection is a thick layer of firm polystyrene, or plastic foam, that crushes on impact, absorbing the force of the blow. All helmets require a chin strap to keep them in place in a crash.
Hard-shell helmets also have a hard outer shell of plastic or fiberglass that provides a shield against penetration by sharp objects and holds the polystyrene together if it cracks in a fall or crash. These helmets are sturdier but tend to be heavier and warmer than the soft-shell models.
Soft-shell helmets have no hard outer shell but are made of an extra-thick layer of polystyrene covered with a cloth cover or surface coating. The cloth cover is an essential part of many soft-shell helmets. If the helmet comes with a cover, the cover must always be worn to hold the helmet together if the polystyrene cracks on impact.
Both types of helmets meet CPSC standards; the main difference is style and comfort. The soft-shell helmets are lighter than the hard-shell versions but may be less durable.
How should a helmet fit?
A helmet should be worn squarely on top of the head, covering the top of the forehead. If it is tipped back, it will not protect the forehead. The helmet fits well if it doesn't move around on the head or slide down over the wearer's eyes when pushed or pulled. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly.
Are there helmets for infants?
Yes. Many infant-sized helmets are of the soft-shell variety. They are light, an important consideration for small children whose necks may not be strong enough to comfortably hold up a hard-shell helmet. Babies younger than 1 year have relatively weak neck structure. Neither helmets nor bike traveling is recommended for them.
How long will a child's helmet fit?
An infant's or child's helmet should fit for several years. Most models have removable fitting pads that can be replaced with thinner ones as the child's head grows.
Can a helmet be reused after a crash?
In general, a helmet that has been through a serious fall or crash should be retired with gratitude. It has served its purpose and may not provide adequate protection in another crash. If you are uncertain whether the helmet is still usable, throw it away.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Many parents think walkers will help their children learn to walk. But they don't. In fact, walkers can actually delay when a child starts to walk. Also, baby walkers send thousands of children to hospitals every year. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about why baby walkers are not safe and what you can do.
Injuries can happen when children in baby walkers
Roll down the stairs—which often causes broken bones and severe head injuries. This is how most children get hurt in baby walkers.
Get burned—a child can reach higher in a walker. It is now easier for a child to pull a tablecloth off a table and spill hot coffee, grab pot handles off the stove, and reach radiators, fireplaces, or space heaters.
Drown—a child can fall into a pool or bathtub while in a walker.
Be poisoned—reaching high objects is easier in a walker.
Most walker injuries happen while adults are watching. Parents or caregivers simply cannot respond quickly enough. A child in a walker can move more than 3 feet in 1 second! Baby walkers are never safe to use, even with an adult close by.
Note: Since 1997, baby walkers are made so they can't fit through most doors, or they have brakes to stop them at the edge of a step. However, some may still have wheels, so children can still move fast and reach higher. The AAP has called for a ban on the manufacture and sale of baby walkers with wheels.
What You Can Do
Throw out your baby walkers!
Make sure that there are no baby walkers wherever your child is being cared for, such as child care centers or someone else's home.
Try something just as enjoyable but safer, like
Stationary activity centers—they look like walkers but have no wheels. They usually have seats that rotate, tip, and bounce.
Play yards or playpens—these are great safety zones for children as they learn to sit, crawl, or walk.
High chairs—older children often enjoy sitting up in a high chair and playing with toys on the tray.
For More Information
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.org
Disclaimer
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 8/6/2023
-
Using a car safety seat correctly makes a big difference. It is important to choose the right seat for your child's size and make sure it is used correctly to properly protect your child in a crash. Here are car safety seat tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Does your car have airbags?
Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a front passenger airbag. If the airbag inflates, it will hit the back of the car safety seat, right where your baby's head rests, and could cause serious injury or death.
The safest place for all children younger than 13 years to ride is in the back seat regardless of weight and height.
If an older child must ride in the front seat, a child in a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice. Be sure you move the vehicle seat as far back from the dashboard (and airbag) as possible.
Is your child facing the right way for weight, height, and age?
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most infants will outgrow rear-facing–only seats by length long before they reach the maximum weight limit. When infants outgrow a rear-facing–only seat, they should use a rear-facing convertible seat. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.
When a child exceeds the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible car safety seat, they should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.
Is the harness snug?
Harness straps should fit snugly against your child's body. Check the car safety seat instructions to learn how to adjust the straps.
Place the chest clip at armpit level to keep the harness straps secure on the shoulders.
Does the car safety seat fit correctly in your vehicle?
Not all car safety seats fit properly in all vehicles.
Read the section on car safety seats in the owner's manual for your car.
Should you use the LATCH system?
Car safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle's seat belt or its LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. Both systems are equally safe, so caregivers should use one or the other, whichever works best for them, their car safety seat, and their vehicle. In general, caregivers should use only 1 of the 2 options, unless the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturers say it is OK to use both systems at the same time.
Vehicles with the LATCH system have anchors located in the back seat, where the seat cushions meet. All car safety seats have attachments that fasten to these anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles made on or after September 1, 2002, and all car safety seats are equipped to use LATCH. All lower anchors are rated for a maximum weight of 65 pounds (total weight includes car safety seat and child). Check the car safety seat manufacturer's recommendations for the maximum weight a child can be to use lower anchors. New car safety seats have the maximum weight printed on their label.
Should you use a top tether?
The top tether does a great job of improving safety provided by the seat. Use the tether for all forward-facing seats up to the highest weight allowed by your vehicle and the manufacturer of your car safety seat. Your vehicle owner's manual will tell you how to find the location of tether anchors. Remember, weight limits are different for different car safety seats and different vehicles, so it is important to check both the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturer instructions for lower anchors and tethers.
Is the seat belt or LATCH strap in the right place and pulled tight?
Route the seat belt or LATCH strap through the correct belt path for the car safety seat. Convertible seats have different belt paths for when they are used rear facing or forward facing (check your instructions to make sure).
If you install the car safety seat by using your vehicle's seat belt, you must make sure the seat belt locks to keep a tight fit. In most newer cars, you can lock the seat belt by pulling it all the way out and then allowing it to retract to keep the seat belt tight around the car safety seat. Many car safety seats have built-in lock-offs to lock the belt. Check your vehicle owner's manual and car safety seat instructions to make sure you are using the seat belt correctly.
Pull the belt tight. Apply weight into the seat with your hand while tightening the seat belt or LATCH strap. When the car safety seat is installed, be sure it does not move more than an inch side to side or toward the front of the car.
Has your child outgrown the forward-facing seat?
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly. While this is typically when they have reached at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age, every kid is different. It is important to make sure to check how a seat belt fits your child in each car they will be riding in.
A seat belt fits properly when the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the upper thighs, not the belly; and the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with their knees bent over the edge of the seat without slouching and can comfortably stay in this position throughout the trip.
Has the car safety seat been recalled?
You can find out by calling the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 or by going to the NHTSA website at www.safercar.gov .
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for making any repairs to your car safety seat.
Be sure to fill in and mail in the registration card that comes with the car safety seat. It will be important in case the seat is recalled.
Do you know the history of your child's car safety seat?
Do not use a used car safety seat if you do not know the history of the seat.
Do not use a car safety seat that has been in a crash, has been recalled, is too old (check the expiration date or use 6 years from the manufacture date if there is no expiration date), has any cracks in its frame, or is missing parts.
Make sure it has labels from the manufacturer and instructions. Keep the instructions with the car safety seat.
Call the car safety seat manufacturer if you have questions about the safety of your seat.
Resources
If you have questions or need help installing your car safety seat, find a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) by going to the National Child Passenger Safety Certification website at http://cert.safekids.org and clicking on "Find a Tech."
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers more information in the brochure Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families. Ask your pediatrician about this brochure or visit the official AAP website for parents, www.HealthyChildren.org/carseatguide .
Disclaimer
Figure 1 adapted from US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. LATCH Makes Child Safety Seat Installation as Easy as 1-2-3. DOT HS publication 809 489. March 2011. Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 by Anthony Alex LeTourneau.
Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 5/14/2024
-
A bright smile begins long before the first tooth appears. Parent and caregiver help is important for children to develop healthy teeth. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about caring for your child's teeth.
Steps to good dental health include
Regular care by a dentist beginning by 1 year of age
Enough fluoride (in water, toothpaste, and fluoride varnish)
Brushing and flossing 2 times each day
Eating healthy and limiting sugar
Using a mouth guard during sports participation to prevent injury, if necessary
Fluoride is important because it
Hardens tooth enamel (the outside coating on teeth)
Repairs early damage to teeth all day every day
Note: Fluoride is a natural substance that can be added to drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, and varnish (dental treatment). During well-child visits (also known as health supervision visits), doctors may recommend drinking more fluoridated water or, for some children, using fluoride tablets or drops. Also, fluoride varnish should be applied to children's teeth by their doctor or dentist up to 4 times per year.
Here's how to clean your child's teeth.
Babies to 3 years of age
Wipe the gums 2 times each day with a piece of gauze or a damp cloth until the first tooth or teeth arrive.
Brush the first tooth or teeth with a soft toothbrush 2 times each day. Brush for 2 minutes each time.
Use "Just a dot, not a lot!" of fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be the size of a small grain of rice for children younger than 3 years.
Children 3 years and older
Brush your child's teeth with a soft toothbrush 2 times each day. Brush for 2 minutes each time. Children should learn how to brush their teeth on their own. However, parents should brush their children's teeth first before handing over the toothbrush to their children until they are 7 years of age.
Use "Just a dot, not a lot!" of fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be the size of a small pea for children 3 years and older.
All children
Teach your child to spit out excess toothpaste. Your child may want to swallow the toothpaste because it tastes good. However, swallowing too much toothpaste can result in white spotting of the teeth called fluorosis. Children should not rinse after brushing and spitting out excess toothpaste.
Floss where any 2 teeth touch each other to prevent a cavity forming between the teeth.
Check front and back of the teeth for early signs of tooth decay, such as white, yellow, or brown spots or lines on the teeth. Lift up the top lip to get a good look at the front upper teeth.
Change your child's toothbrush every 6 months.
Here are other ways to help prevent tooth decay in babies and children.
Schedule regular dental checkups for each family member.
Avoid sharing food, drinks, spoons, and forks. If your baby is using a pacifier, avoid licking it to clean it.
Offer water if your child is thirsty. Also, only offer water in sippy cups between meals and in bedtime bottles. Sipping juices, sports drinks, flavored drinks, lemonade, soft drinks (soda, pop), or flavored teas throughout the day causes acid attacks on teeth.
Offer healthy snacks such as fruits or vegetables. Avoid offering sweet or sticky snacks, such as raisins, gummy candies, and vitamins, or fruit-flavored snacks/rolls or cookies. There is sugar in foods like crackers and chips too. Reserve these for desserts at the end of meals.
Be sure to clean teeth after your child drinks milk at bedtime.
Check front and back of the teeth for early signs of tooth decay—white, yellow, or brown spots or lines on the teeth. Lift your child's lip to get a better look at the upper front teeth. This should be done about once a month.
Common Questions
Does pacifier use or thumb-sucking hurt teeth?
Sucking on a pacifier, thumb, or fingers may affect the shape of the mouth or how teeth are lining up.
If the habit stops by 3 years of age, the teeth will usually correct themselves without treatment.
If the sucking habit continues after "permanent" teeth have come in, orthodontic care may be needed to line the teeth up for disease prevention and appearance.
What should I do when my child falls and loosens a tooth?
Call your child's dentist or pediatrician for advice.
For the next 6 months or so, watch for redness in the gum above the loosened tooth and notify your child's dentist immediately if it occurs.
What is a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists have special training to provide routine dental care for children and can care for children with complicated oral health problems. They are specialists in the care of children's teeth and mouth problems, especially when
Teeth are chipped or injured or there is an injury in the mouth area.
Teeth show signs of discoloration that could be tooth decay or trauma.
Children complain of tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids. This could also be a sign of decay.
There is any abnormal growth inside the mouth.
Children have an unusual bite (in other words, their teeth do not fit together right).
You can find a pediatric dentist in your area on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.aapd.org . Some family dentists are trained to provide care for children without complicated problems. There are also many family dentists who provide preventive care to healthy children.
When should my child begin regular dental checkups?
All infants should receive oral health risk assessments by 6 months of age at their well-child visit with their medical provider and at every well-child checkup.
Children with special health care needs should be referred to a dentist as early as 6 months of age, and no later than 12 months of age, to establish their dental home and may be seen more frequently than typical children.
Every child should have a dental home established by 12 months of age.
Remember
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's teeth, contact your child's dentist.
Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
© 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article
-
You may want to look like your favorite movie star or singer or have the perfect look for Halloween, but changing the look of your eyes with decorative contact lenses could cause a lot of damage to your eyesight.
Read more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to protect your eyes from harm.
What are decorative contact lenses?
Decorative contact lenses are considered medical devices. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees their safety and effectiveness, just like regular contact lenses. Though they only change the look of your eyes and do not correct your vision, an exam, a prescription, and proper lens care are important.
Decorative contact lenses are sometimes called
Fashion contact lenses
Halloween contact lenses
Color contact lenses
Cosmetic contact lenses
Theatrical contact lenses
How can decorative contact lenses harm my eyes?
Wearing decorative contact lenses can be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision.
The risks of not using contact lenses correctly include
A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (corneal abrasion)
Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes
Decreased vision
Infection
Blindness
Also, if you are wearing any contact lenses you got without a prescription, even if they feel fine, they still could be causing damage to your eyes.
What you need to know before putting on decorative contact lenses
If you plan on wearing decorative contact lenses, even if only for a special event, you need to make sure that you
Get an eye exam. The fit of your contact lenses is very important. A wrong fit can cause damage to your eyes. Be sure to always go for follow-up eye exams.
Get a prescription. Your eye doctor will write you a prescription for all contact lenses, including decorative lenses. The prescription should include the brand name, correct lens measurements, and expiration date.
Know how to care for your contact lenses. Follow the instructions for wearing, cleaning, and disinfecting that come with your contact lenses. If you do not receive instructions, ask your eye doctor for them.
Only buy contact lenses from a company that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription. Anyone selling you contact lenses must get your prescription and verify it with your doctor. They should request not only the prescription but the name of your doctor and a phone number. If they don't ask for this information, they are breaking federal law and could be selling you illegal contact lenses.
Call your eye doctor right away and remove your contact lenses if your eyes are red or have ongoing pain or discharge! Redness of, pain in, and discharge from the eyes are signs of an eye infection. If you think you have an eye infection from your contact lenses, remove them and see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) right away! An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated.
Remember—buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous!
There are a lot of products that you can buy without a prescription, but they may not be safe or legal. Never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store, or Halloween store. Also, never share contacts with anyone else.
Protect your eyes by having an eye exam, getting a prescription, and buying contact lenses from a legal source.
Source: US Food and Drug Administration. Decorative contact lenses. http://www.fda.gov/ . Updated October 10, 2012. Accessed August 5, 2013
Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024
-
If there was a disaster in your area, would your family know what to do? Every family should have a plan. This 4-STEP guide developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips on how to 1) be informed, 2) make a plan, 3) build a kit, and 4) get involved.
1. BE INFORMED
Learn how to prepare for each disaster in your area. Visit the following Web sites: Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov); and American Red Cross (www.redcross.org). You can also check with your local or state emergency management office or health department.
2. MAKE A PLAN
Get your family involved. Hold a family meeting and talk about why it's important to have a plan. Explain things in a way your children will understand without overly alarming them. For example, tell children that a disaster is something that could hurt people or cause damage. Explain that nature sometimes provides "too much of a good thing," like fire, rain, or wind. Reassure your children that there are people who can help them during a disaster, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency officials.
Teach your children
How to call for help
When to call each emergency number
To call the family contact if separated
Where the family meeting place is
To keep personal identification information with them at all times
Know what to do in case you are not together or are separated in a disaster.
Choose a place to meet outside your neighborhood if you cannot go home.
Choose an out-of-town contact to help you update family and friends. Each family member and any caregiver must know the address for your meeting place and how to reach your contact.
Talk about how you will check in with each other. Options may include texting, social media (ie, Facebook or Twitter), or a Web-based application (eg,https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php). Talk with younger children about how they can find a trusted adult to help them. Provide each child with a waterproof identification card that contains parents' contact names and phone numbers, date of child's birth, allergies, immunizations, and last known weight (in kilograms if possible).
Know the disaster plans for the child care program or school your children attend. Remind your children that it's important that they follow their teachers' instructions. If you have a child who is technology dependent, make sure you and other caregivers know what to do in a power outage.
Know what to do if told to evacuate.
Leave right away if told to evacuate. Use routes suggested by officials.
Listen to the radio or television for instructions from local officials. Your local officials may also send out instructions on social media.
Consider likely hazards when selecting clothing to wear and pack (eg, extreme cold, water, or broken glass or other debris).
Shut off water, gas, and electricity if told to do so.
Leave a note telling when you left and where you are going.
Let your out-of-town contact know where you are going.
Take your family disaster supplies kit (see details in the Build a Kit section).
Take your pets.
Lock your home.
Know what to do if told to turn off your utilities.
Find the main electric fuse box, water service main, and natural gas main.
Learn how and when to turn off utilities, and teach family members. (If you turn off the gas, you will need a professional to turn it back on.)
Keep a wrench and flashlight near gas and water shutoff valves.
Practice and maintain your plan.
Every month, test your smoke alarms.
Every year, replace the batteries in smoke alarms. If your smoke alarm uses long-life batteries, check and replace them according to the directions.
Every 6 months, review the family disaster plan with family members and do escape drills. Quiz children to make sure they know what to do in different situations. Replace stored food and water frequently.
3. BUILD A KIT
Pack the family disaster supplies kit ahead of time because once a disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies.
Disaster supplies include the following items:
A note to remind you what you still need to take care of (eg, get medical equipment; charge cell phones)
Map of the area and important phone numbers
Baby supplies such as diapers, formula, baby food, and wipes
Three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person)
Three-day supply of ready-to-eat canned or packaged food (including pet food)
Water purification method (eg, bleach or tablets)
Manual can opener
Paper cups, plates, and plastic eating utensils
Blankets or sleeping bags
Toiletries (eg, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer) and toilet paper
Other disaster supplies that should be placed in an easy-to-carry waterproof container include
Crank or battery-powered radio.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
A credit card and cash.
Personal identification and current family identification photos.
Cell phone charger.
An extra set of car keys.
An extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Matches in a waterproof container.
A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each person.
Medicine (clearly labeled and kept separate from other supplies). Always have one refill left on prescription medicine, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Important documents
Make 2 copies and keep the originals of the following documents in a safe-deposit box or waterproof container. Consider storing these on a flash drive or online. Keep one copy on hand and give the second to your contact.
Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, and investment information
Passports, social security cards, immunization records, and medical information or emergency information forms
Bank account numbers, credit card account numbers
List of valuable household goods
Family records and photos (eg, birth, adoption, and marriage certificates), current children's photos
Pet records (vaccination records and medical information)
List of accounts with log-in information and passwords
4. GET INVOLVED
Meet with neighbors to plan how you can work together during a disaster.
Talk about who has special skills (eg, medical, technical, multilingual).
Make plans for child care in case parents cannot get home.
Plan for families or individuals who might need extra help (eg, those who are technology dependent or might have trouble moving around, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, families with infants or young children, elderly).
Volunteer to support disaster efforts in your community.
Be part of the community planning process or start a preparedness project.
Donate cash or goods to help meet the needs of your community in times of disaster.
COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST PRIOR TO THE NEXT DISASTER
Put emergency phone numbers where you can see them (eg, on the refrigerator). Program numbers into cell phones. Keep a copy of key numbers in the family disaster supplies kit.
Show everyone how and when to turn off utilities.
Make sure you have enough insurance coverage (eg, flood, fire, earthquake, wind).
Do a home hazard hunt for items that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire.
Stock at least 3 days of food and water and emergency supplies for family members and pets.
Make sure to write out a list of all medications, which person takes each, and dosing details. Include a supply of medicine that will last for 3 to 5 days and a copy of each prescription.
Take a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class. For more information visitwww.redcross.orgorwww.heart.org.
Plan 2 escape routes from each room in your home.
Find safe places in your home to shelter for each type of disaster.
Fill out an emergency information form for each child, especially those with special health care needs.
For a detailed list of online resources, please visit www.aap.org or www.HealthyChildren.org.
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 04/2015. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 1/24/2022
-
Is your house a safe place for your child to live and play?
This safety checklist can help you prevent serious injuries or even death. Keep in mind that every house is different. Because there may be other safety concerns in your house, a more thorough safety check is recommended at least every 6 months.
Throughout the Home
Teach your child how to call 911 in an emergency.
Post the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222 by every phone in your home and program the number into your cell phone.
Make sure to have a plan of escape from your home in case of a fire. Review and practice the plan with your family.
Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, in furnace areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Buy alarms with long-life lithium batteries. Standard batteries should be changed every year. Test alarms every month to make sure they are working properly.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside each sleeping area and on each floor of your home. CO is a toxic gas that has no taste, no color, and no odor. It comes from appliances or heaters that burn gas, oil, wood, propane, or kerosene.
A home is safest without firearms. If you must have a gun, make sure the gun is stored unloaded and locked in a safe or with a trigger lock, with the bullets locked in another place.
Make sure all the rooms in your home are free from small parts, plastic bags, small toys, coins, and balloons that your child could choke on. Keep magnets and button-cell batteries out of sight and out of reach of children. Frequently check in, around, and under furniture for these items.
Secure bookshelves, dressers, TVs, and all tall or heavy furniture to the wall with straps, brackets, or screws.
Use cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit. If this is not possible, make sure drapery and blind cords are tied up high, with no loops. Loose cords can strangle children, so remember to check the cords in all rooms to make sure they are out of reach.
Make sure window guards are secured to prevent a child from falling out the window.
Block all stairs by using child gates.
Check electrical cords and replace any cords that are worn, frayed, or damaged. Never overload outlets. Cords should run behind furniture and not hang down for children to pull on. Remove unused cords.
Store matches and lighters out of your child's reach or in a locked cabinet. Teach your child that matches and lighters are to be used by adults only.
Only use candles when an adult is in the room. Blow out candles if you leave the room or go to sleep.
Keep houseplants out of your child's reach because some may be poisonous. Teach your child to never pick and eat anything from an indoor or outdoor plant. Also, teach your child to ask an adult first before picking and eating homegrown fruits or vegetables.
Child's Bedroom
Changing Table
Never leave your child unattended. Keep supplies within arm's reach and always use the safety belt to help prevent falls. Try to keep a hand on your child at all times, even when using the safety belt.
If you use baby powder, use one made with cornstarch. Pour it out carefully and keep the powder away from baby's face. Published reports indicate that talc (also called talcum powder ) in baby powder can injure a baby's lungs.
Crib
Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). All healthy babies younger than 1 year should sleep on their backs—at nap time and at night. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib, on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Infants should never sleep in an adult bed or on a couch.
Keep pillows, quilts, bumpers, comforters, sheepskins, and stuffed toys out of your baby's crib. They can cover your baby's face—even if she is lying on her back.
Don't hang anything with strings or ribbons over cribs. Keep monitor cords well away from the crib and make sure your baby cannot reach any window cords.
Use a crib that meets current standards. It should not have a drop side or any raised corner posts or cutouts, where loose clothing could get snagged and strangle your baby. Also, the slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the mattress should fit snugly to prevent entrapment. All cribs purchased after June 28, 2011, are required to meet the current standard.
Tighten all the screws, bolts, and other hardware securely to prevent the crib from collapsing. Only use hardware provided by the manufacturer.
Other Bedroom Items
Keep night-lights away from drapes or bedding, where they could start a fire. Buy only cool night-lights that do not get hot.
Store toys in a box or basket without a lid. If a toy chest has a lid, make sure it has safe hinges that hold the lid open and do not pinch. The chest should also have air holes in case your child gets trapped inside.
Use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to avoid burns. Clean it according to manufacturer instructions to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
Kitchen
Store sharp knives, other sharp utensils, dishwasher detergent, and other cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet.
Keep chairs and stools away from counters and the stove, where a child could climb up and get hurt.
Use the back burners and point pot handles toward the back of the stove to keep them out of your child's reach. Keep your child away from the stove when someone is cooking.
Keep electrical appliances out of your child's reach and unplugged when not in use. Appliance cords should be tucked away so they cannot be reached by a child.
Use a high chair that is sturdy and has a seat belt with a crotch strap.
Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how and when to use it.
Bathroom
Always stay within arm's reach of your infant or young child when he is in the bathtub. Many bathtub drownings happen (even in a few inches of water) when a parent leaves an infant or young child alone or with another young child.
Keep the bathroom door closed when the bathroom is not in use. Keep the toilet seat cover down and consider using a toilet lid latch. Use a doorknob cover to keep your child out of the bathroom when you are not there.
Place a nonskid bath mat in the bathtub and on the floor.
Keep all medicines, toiletries, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies out of your child's reach. Store these items in locked cabinets. Make sure all medicines have child-resistant caps on them.
Unplug and store hair dryers, curling irons, and other electrical appliances out of your child's reach.
Make sure the outlets in the bathroom have ground fault interrupters (GFIs).
To prevent scalding, adjust your water heater so the hottest temperature at the faucet is no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius).
Family Room
Pad edges and corners of tables.
Secure TVs to the wall with anchoring straps so they don't tip over. TVs should only be put on furniture that is low, sturdy, and designed to hold them.
Place a barrier around the fireplace or other heat sources.
Playground
Make sure swings are made of soft materials, such as rubber, plastic, or canvas.
Use wood chips, mulch, or shredded rubber under play equipment. It should be at least 9 inches deep for play equipment up to 7 feet high. Rake it back under the swings and slides often to keep it the right depth.
Make sure home playground equipment is put together correctly, sits on a level surface, and is anchored firmly to the ground.
Pool
Make sure to have a fence at least 4 feet high around all sides of the pool to separate the pool from the house and the rest of the yard. A child should not be able to climb the fence. The gate on the fence should open outward, self-close, and self-latch, with the latch high out of a child's reach.
Always have rescue equipment, such as a shepherd hook or life preserver, by the pool.
Keep a telephone by the pool with your local emergency number (usually 911) clearly posted.
Learn basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because of the time it might take for help to arrive in an emergency, your CPR skills can save your child's life. CPR performed by bystanders has been shown to improve outcomes in drowning victims.
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
© 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 06/2017. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 8/6/2023
-
How do you calm a crying baby? That depends. Each baby is different and there are many reasons why babies cry. Though there is no magic button to turn off crying, there are some things parents and caregivers can try.
Here are tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on ways to help calm a crying baby. Because it is not always easy to cope with a crying baby, the second half of this publication has important information for all parents and caregivers to help make sure babies are safe.
Ways to Help Calm a Crying Baby
Crying is the only way babies know how to express their needs. Parents and caregivers need to know that crying does not mean babies dislike them.
Babies usually cry when they need something. They may be hungry or tired. They may be cold or hot or need their diapers changed. However, sometimes babies cry for no clear reason. Healthy babies, even those who are well cared for and loved, may cry for as long as 1 to 2 hours.
If your baby cries, try the following things:
Check your baby's diaper and change it if it is wet or soiled.
Check your baby's socks and clothing. Tight socks, bunched-up clothing, or a loose thread caught on a finger or toe may cause discomfort.
Check for a runny nose, congestion, diaper rash, fever, or other signs your baby might be sick.
Swaddle your baby's body in a light blanket. Swaddling helps babies feel secure. Ask your nurse or child's doctor to show you how to swaddle your baby. Also, if you swaddle your baby before placing him on his back to sleep, stop swaddling him as soon as he starts trying to roll.
Feed your baby slowly and burp your baby often to help prevent gas in the stomach.
Offer your baby a pacifier. Sucking for some babies can be soothing.
Gently rub or pat your baby's back while holding your baby close.
Hold your baby against bare skin, like on your chest, or cheek to cheek.
Rock your baby using slow, rhythmic movements.
Sing to your baby or play soft, soothing music.
Place your baby near a source of white noise, such as a running vacuum cleaner or static from a radio, or play a white noise app.
Take your baby for a walk in your arms, an infant carrier or a sling, or a stroller.
Put your baby in a car safety seat and go for a ride.
If you have tried all of these suggestions and your baby continues to cry, remember that 1 in 10 attempts to stop a crying spell will not work. Most babies get tired after crying for a long time and will fall asleep on their own.
Parents and Caregivers Need Breaks From Crying Babies
If you have tried to calm your crying baby but nothing seems to work, you may need to take a moment for yourself. Crying can be tough to handle, especially if you're physically tired and mentally exhausted.
Take a deep breath and count to 10.
Place your baby in a safe place, such as crib or playpen without blankets and stuffed animals; leave the room; and let your baby cry alone for about 10 to 15 minutes.
While your baby is in a safe place, consider some actions that may help calm you down.
Listen to music for a few minutes.
Call a friend or family member for emotional support.
Do simple household chores, such as vacuuming or washing the dishes.
If you have not calmed after 10 to 15 minutes, check on your baby but do not pick up your baby until you feel you have calmed down.
When you have calmed down, go back and pick up your baby. If your baby is still crying, retry soothing measures.
Call your child's doctor. There may be a medical reason why your baby is crying.
Try to be patient. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. It is normal to feel upset, frustrated, or even angry, but it is important to keep your behavior under control. Remember, it is never safe to shake, throw, hit, slam, or jerk any child—and it never solves the problem!
Important Information About Preventing Brain Injuries
Babies are not able to fully support their heavy heads. As a result, violent and forceful shaking or impact causes a baby's brain to be injured. This is called abusive head trauma. Abusive head trauma, including shaken baby syndrome, is a serious type of head injury. It is a form of child abuse. Abusive head trauma occurs when a parent or caregiver reacts impulsively in anger or frustration, often because a baby will not stop crying.
Babies who have been shaken, thrown, hit, slammed, or jerked may show one or all of the following signs and symptoms: irritability, lethargy (trouble staying awake), difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, decreased alertness, and coma (unable to be awakened).
Abusive head trauma can lead to death, brain damage, bleeding around the brain, blindness, hearing loss, speech or learning disabilities, seizures, intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), and cerebral palsy.
What Parents Need to Know When Choosing a Caregiver
If your children are being cared for by others, take some time to observe how these caregivers interact with your children. Do they enjoy talking or playing with your children? How do they calm a crying baby? Other important things to keep in mind when choosing a caregiver are the caregiver's personality and habits. Is the caregiver trustworthy and responsible? Consider a day care center. An ideal day care center is one that is licensed or certified and has multiple child caregivers present at all times. Also, remember that young infants who are not yet able to pull to a stand rarely bruise. Even a small bruise could be the first sign of abuse. If a bruise is seen in a young infant, the infant should be checked by a doctor.
Remember
Hurting a crying baby is never OK! Anyone who cares for a child, including parents, child caregivers, boyfriends, girlfriends, older siblings, grandparents, and neighbors, should know about the dangers of shaking or striking a baby's head. Make sure all of your baby's caregivers know it is never safe to shake, throw, hit, slam, or jerk any child.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
© 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article
-
One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents. However, it's important that insect repellents are used safely and correctly.
Mosquito, biting fly, and tick bites can make children miserable. While most children have only mild reactions to insect bites, some children can become very sick. Some insects carry dangerous germs such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, Lyme disease bacteria, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever bacteria.
Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about insect repellents, using repellents safely, and other ways to protect your child from insect bites. Also, read about diseases spread by insects.
About Insect Repellents
Insect repellents prevent bites from biting insects but not stinging insects. Biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies. Stinging insects include bees, hornets, and wasps.
Insect repellents come in many forms, including aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, and sticks. Some are made from chemicals such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and permethrin. Others are made from natural ingredients, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Always use an insect repellent registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Visit the US EPA website at www.epa.gov/insect-repellents for more information.
Always follow the directions.
Repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET are safe and effective when used as directed for infants and children.
If you use repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AAP recommend that you do not use them on children younger than 3 years. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may cause allergic skin reactions.
Repellents containing permethrin can be used to treat clothing and gear, but they should not be applied to skin.
The following types of products offer minimal protection or no protection:
Wristbands soaked in chemical repellents
Garlic or vitamin B1 taken by mouth
Ultrasonic devices that give off sound waves designed to keep insects away
Bird or bat houses
Backyard bug zappers, which may attract insects to your yard
Essential oils (cedar, cinnamon, citronella, clove, geranium, lemongrass, and others) other than oil of lemon eucalyptus
Tips for Using Insect Repellents Safely
Read the label and follow all directions and precautions.
Apply insect repellents only on the outside of your child's clothing and on exposed skin. Never spray an insect repellent directly onto your child's face. Instead, spray a little on your hands first and then rub it onto your child's face. Avoid your child's eyes and mouth. (Permethrin should not be applied to skin.)
Do not spray an insect repellent on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Use just enough of the repellent to cover your child's clothing and exposed skin.
Avoid reapplying the repellent unless needed. Using more doesn't make the repellent more effective.
Spray repellents in open areas to avoid breathing them in.
Apply an insect repellent on young children. Supervise older children when using these products.
Wash your children's skin with soap and water to remove any repellent when they return indoors, and wash their clothing before they wear it again.
Do not use products that combine DEET with sunscreen. DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective. These products can overexpose your child to DEET because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.
Other Ways to Protect Your Child From Insect Bites
Here are ways to help reduce insect bites.
Tell your child to avoid areas that attract flying insects, such as garbage cans, stagnant pools of water, and flower beds or orchards.
Dress your child in lightly colored clothing from head to toe, such as long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, socks, and closed shoes, when you know your child will be exposed to insects. A hat with a wide brim can help keep insects away from your child's face. Mosquito netting may be used over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects.
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on your child because they may attract insects.
Keep door and window screens in good repair.
Check your child's skin at the end of the day if you live in an area where ticks are present and your child has been playing outdoors.
Diseases Spread by Insects and Ticks
Infectious diseases spread by insects are a major cause of illnesses to children and adults worldwide. Here are 4 diseases spread by insects.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitos.
In the United States, West Nile virus and outbreaks of various types of encephalitis get plenty of media coverage.
Symptoms
Most cases of West Nile virus infection are mild. People may have no symptoms or mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches.
Less common symptoms, occurring mostly in older adults, may include a severe headache, a high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness.
Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly . Zika virus outbreaks are currently happening in many countries and territories. For up-to-date information about the virus and outbreaks, go to www.cdc.gov/zika.
Symptoms
Many people won't have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms.
Symptoms may include fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes.
Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks.
Deer ticks are tiny, black-brown arachnids about the size of a poppy seed. They are not insects because they have 8 legs (like spiders). Lyme disease is an important health concern in certain regions of the country; the following areas are where most infections occur: Northeast, from Virginia to Maine; north-central states, mostly Wisconsin and Minnesota; and West Coast, particularly northern California.
Symptoms
Often the first and most obvious symptom of Lyme disease is a localized rash that begins as a pink or red circle at the site of tick attachment. This circle expands over time and may become several inches or larger. A classic bull's-eye appearance, with concentric rings, appears in some people. The rash generally occurs 1 to 2 weeks after the tick bite but ranges from 3 days to 30 days.
A rash may occur without any other symptoms or may be associated with
Headache
Chills
Fever
Fatigue
Swollen glands, usually in the neck or groin
Aches and pains in the muscles or joints
If you live in an area of the country endemic to Lyme disease and your child develops a suspicious rash with or without any of these symptoms, call your child's doctor.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread by ticks.
Despite the name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever currently occurs mostly in other regions of the United States, including North and South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Symptoms
Most people get a red, dot-like rash that begins on the wrists and ankles and spreads toward the center of the body. The illness may be severe or fatal in some people.
Other symptoms may include severe headache, fever, muscle aches, nausea, or vomiting.
If your child has been bitten by an insect and shows any of the symptoms of West Nile virus infection, Zika virus infection, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, call your child's doctor.
Remember
Children need and love to be outdoors. The chance of your children becoming infected by insects and ticks is quite low. The best way to protect yourself and your children is to follow the guidelines in this publication. If you have any concerns about insect or tick bites, talk with your child's doctor.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.
© 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article
-
The power lawn mower is one of the most dangerous tools around the home. Each year, nearly 5,000 children are treated in emergency departments for injuries caused by power mowers. Older children and adolescents are most often hurt while cutting lawns as chores or as a way to earn money.
Lawn mower injuries include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye and other injuries. Some injuries are very serious. Both users of mowers and those who are nearby can be hurt.
To prevent lawn mower injuries to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children and teens younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Use a collection bag for grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where grass is released. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Make sure that children are indoors or at a safe distance well away from the area that you plan to mow.
Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.
Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
© 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 1/24/2022
-
If your family enjoys boating, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking on lakes, rivers, and streams, be sure your children wear the correct life jackets. If you do, they will be able to take part in these activities more safely.
Many children and adolescents think life jackets and life preservers are hot, bulky, and ugly. This is no longer true. Newer models look better, feel better, and provide increased protection.
Life preservers and life jackets are required by many states and must be present on all boats traveling on bodies of water supervised by the US Coast Guard.
Parents should choose from the following personal flotation devices (PFDs) approved by the US Coast Guard. Child PFD approvals are based on the child's weight. Check the user weight on the label.
Life Jackets
TYPE 1: This jacket floats the best. It is designed to turn most people who are unconscious in the water from the facedown position to an upright and slightly backward position. This jacket helps the person to stay in that position for a long time. It is to be used in open water and oceans. It is available in only 2 sizes: 1 size for adults more than 90 pounds and 1 size for children less than 90 pounds.
TYPE 2: This jacket can turn a person upright and slightly backward but not as much as the Type 1 jacket. It may not always help an unconscious person to float faceup. It is comfortable and comes in many sizes for children.
TYPE 3: This jacket is designed for conscious users in calm, inland water. It is very comfortable and comes in many styles. This life jacket is often used for water sports and should be used only when it is expected that rescue can be done quickly. The US Coast Guard has approved a puddle jumper that can be worn in place of a Type 3 life jacket in calm, shallow waters.
Life Preservers
TYPE 4: A life preserver is a cushion or ring and is not worn. It is designed to be used in 2 ways. It can be grasped and held until the person is rescued, or it can be thrown to someone in the water until he or she is rescued. It is not a toy and should only be used in a rescue situation. Check the label on the life preserver to be sure it meets US Coast Guard or state regulations.
Use only life jackets and life preservers that are approved by the US Coast Guard. If they are, they will have a label that says so. Life jackets and life preservers are labeled by type (1,2, 3, or 4) and for whom they are designed (child or adult).
Remember, unless your children wear or use life jackets and life preservers, they are not protected. Also, life jackets and life preservers are not substitutes for adult supervision.
Always Remember These Tips
Your children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.
Teach your child how to put on his or her own life jacket.
Make sure your child is comfortable wearing a life jacket and knows how to use it.
Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps fastened.
Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts, and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers. They are not safe. Puddle jumpers may be safe to use; look for a label stating that it is approved by the US Coast Guard.
Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection and to set a good example.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Item description
-
Each year, about 200,000 children get hurt on playground equipment with injuries serious enough to need treatment in the emergency department. About 15 children die each year from playground injuries. While many of these injuries happen on home equipment, most occur at school and public playgrounds.
Read on to find out how you can tell if the playground equipment at your home or child's school or in your neighborhood is as safe as possible.
How are children injured?
Most playground injuries occur when children fall off tall equipment like monkey bars. Other injuries happen when children
Trip over equipment
Get hit by equipment, such as a swing
Get bruises, scrapes, or cuts from sharp edges
Some injuries, such as head injuries, can be serious or even fatal. Other injuries may include broken bones, sprains, and wounds to the teeth and mouth.
The danger of wearing drawstrings and bicycle helmets on playground equipment
Drawstrings on clothing and bicycle helmets can strangle a child if they get caught on playground equipment. The best way to prevent this is to take drawstrings off jackets, shirts, and hats and shorten drawstrings on coats and jackets. Bicycle helmets should be worn while riding a bicycle, but not while playing on playground equipment.
How to prevent playground injuries
To check if play equipment is safe, ask yourself the following questions:
Is the equipment the right size? For example, smaller swings are for smaller children and can break if larger children use them.
Is the play equipment installed correctly and according to the manufacturer's directions?
Can children reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part?
What's underneath the equipment? The best way to prevent serious injuries is to have a surface that will absorb impact when children land on it. This is especially needed under and around swings, slides, and climbing equipment. (See "What are safer surfaces?").
Is wooden play equipment free of splinters and nails or screws that stick out?
Here are some other things to check for.
Climbing structures
Platforms higher than 30 inches above the ground intended for use by school-aged children should have guardrails or barriers to prevent falls.
Vertical and horizontal spaces should be less than 3½ inches wide or more than 9 inches wide. This is to keep a small child's head from getting trapped.
Rungs, stairs, and steps should be evenly spaced.
Round rungs to be gripped by young hands should be about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
Slides
Slides should be placed in the shade or away from the sun. Metal slides can get very hot from the sun and burn a child's hands and legs. Plastic slides are better because they do not get as hot, but they should still be checked before using.
Slides should have a platform with rails at the top for children to hold. There should be a guardrail, hood, or other device at the top of the slide that requires the child to sit when going down the slide. Open slides should have sides at least 4 inches high.
Make sure there are no rocks, glass, sticks, toys, debris, or other children at the base of a slide. These could get in the way of a child landing safely. The cleared area in front of the slide should extend a distance equal to the height of the slide platform, with a minimum of 6 feet and a maximum of 8 feet cleared.
Swings
Swings should be clear of other equipment. Make sure there is a distance in front of and behind a swing that is twice the height of the suspending bar.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic, or canvas.
Make sure open or "S" hooks on swing chains are closed to form a figure 8.
Walls or fences should be located at least 6 feet from either side of a swing structure.
Swing sets should be securely anchored according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent tipping. Anchors should be buried deep enough so that children can't trip or fall over them.
Swings should not be too close together. There should be at least 24 inches between swings and no more than 2 seat swings (or 1 tire swing) in the same section of the structure.
Remember, even with these measures, children still need to be watched closely while they are playing.
What are safer surfaces?
Safer surfaces make a serious head injury less likely to occur if a child falls. This is because they are made to absorb the impact of a fall. Some examples of safer surfaces include the following:
Wood chips, mulch, or shredded rubber—at least 9 inches deep for play equipment up to 7 feet high.
Sand or pea gravel—at least 9 inches deep for play equipment up to 5 feet high.
Rubber outdoor mats—make sure they are safety tested for playground equipment.
Check loose-fill surfaces often. They should be raked at least once a week to keep them soft. They also should be refilled often to keep the correct depth. Poured-in-place surfaces should be checked continually for wear. Concrete, asphalt, packed earth, and grass are not safe surfaces and should not be used under playground equipment.
No surface is totally safe. Many injuries are preventable, but they can sometimes occur even at the safest playgrounds and with the best supervision. Be prepared to handle an injury if it does occur.
-
Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. However, most children who come in contact with these things are not permanently hurt if they are treated right away.
The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to prevent and treat poisonings in and around your home.
Prevention
Most poisonings occur when parents are not paying close attention. While you are busy doing other things, your child may be exploring closets or under bathroom sinks, where dangerous household items are often stored. Children are at risk for poisoning because they like to put things into their mouths and taste them. Remember to always keep a close eye on your child. Watch your child even more closely when you are away from home—especially at a grandparent's home, where medicines are often left out and within a child's reach.
The best way to keep your child safe from poisoning is to lock up dangerous household items out of your child's reach, including
Medicines (especially those that contain iron)
Cleaning products like dishwasher and laundry detergents, bleach, ammonia, and furniture polish
Antifreeze, paint thinners, and windshield washer fluid
Gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil
Pesticides
Alcohol
Always store medicines and household products in their original containers. Children can get confused if you put them in containers that were once used for food, especially empty drink bottles, cans, or cups. Also, many dangerous items look like food or drinks. For example, your child may mistake powdered dish soap for sugar or lemon liquid cleaner for lemonade.
Poison Help
1-800-222-1222 is a nationwide toll-free number that directs your call to your local poison center.
Call 1-800-222-1222 if you have a poison emergency. This number will connect you right away to your nearest poison center. A poison expert in your area is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also call if you have a question about a poison or poison prevention. You can find prevention information at http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov.
Be prepared. Post the Poison Help number by every phone in your home and program the number in your cell phone. Be sure that caregivers and babysitters know this number.
How to make your home poison-safe
In the kitchen
Store medicines, cleaners, lye, furniture polish, dishwasher soap, and other dangerous products in locked cabinets, out of sight and reach of children.
If you must store items under the sink, use safety latches that lock every time you close the cabinet.
In the bathroom
Keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. But remember, these caps are child resistant, not childproof, so store them in a locked cabinet.
Get rid of leftover or expired medicines.
Take medicines to your police department if they have a drug collection program.
Check if your community has a household hazardous waste disposal program that takes medicines.
Mix medicines with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal tightly in a plastic bag or container, and discard where children cannot get them. Remember to remove labels with personal information from prescription medicines.
Only flush medicines down the toilet or pour down the drain if the patient information materials say it's OK to do so.
Store everyday items like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo in a different cabinet from dangerous products.
Take medicine where children cannot watch you; they may try to copy you.
Call medicine by its correct name. You don't want to confuse your child by calling it candy.
Check the label every time you give medicine. This will help you to be sure you are giving the right medicine in the right amount to the right person. Mistakes are more common in the middle of the night, so always turn on a light when using any medicine.
In the garage and basement
Keep paints, varnishes, thinners, pesticides, and fertilizers in a locked cabinet.
Read labels on all household products before you buy them. Try to find the safest ones for the job. Buy only what you need to use right away.
Open the garage door before starting your car to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be sure that coal, wood, or kerosene stoves and appliances are in good working order. If you smell gas, turn off the stove or gas burner, leave the house, and call the gas company.
In the entire house
Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Contact your local fire department for information on how many you need and where to install them.
Treatment
Swallowed poison
If you find your child with an open or empty container of a dangerous nonfood item, your child may have been poisoned. Stay calm and act quickly.
First, get the item away from your child. If there is still some in your child's mouth, make him spit it out or remove it with your fingers. Keep this material along with anything else that might help determine what your child swallowed.
Do not make your child vomit because it may cause more damage.
If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
If your child does not have these symptoms, call the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222. You may be asked for the following information:
Your name and phone number
Your child's name, age, and weight
Any medical conditions your child has
Any medicine your child is taking
The name of the item your child swallowed (Read it off the container and spell it.)
The time your child swallowed the item (or when you found your child), and the amount you think was swallowed
If the poison is very dangerous, or if your child is very young, you may be told to take him to the nearest hospital. If your child is not in danger, the Poison Help staff will tell you what to do to help your child at home.
Poison on the skin
If your child spills a dangerous chemical on her body, remove her clothes and rinse the skin with room-temperature water for at least 15 minutes, even if your child resists. Then call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Do not use ointments or grease.
Poison in the eye
Flush your child's eye by holding the eyelid open and pouring a steady stream of room-temperature water into the inner corner. It is easier if another adult holds your child while you rinse the eye. If another adult is not around, wrap your child tightly in a towel and clamp him under one arm. Then you will have one hand free to hold the eyelid open and the other to pour in the water. Continue flushing the eye for 15 minutes. Then call the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222. Do not use an eyecup, eyedrops, or ointment unless Poison Help staff tells you to.
Important information about syrup of ipecac
Syrup of ipecac is a drug that was used in the past to make children vomit (or throw up) after they had swallowed a poison. Although this may seem to make sense, this is not a good poison treatment. You should not make a child vomit in any way, including giving him syrup of ipecac, making him gag, or giving him salt water. If you have syrup of ipecac in your home, throw it out (see "In the bathroom" second bullet point).
Poisonous fumes
In the home, poisonous fumes can come from
A car running in a closed garage
Leaky gas vents
Wood, coal, or kerosene stoves that are not working right
Space heaters, ovens, stoves, or water heaters that use gas
If your child is exposed to fumes or gases, have her breathe fresh air right away. If she is breathing, call the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, and ask about what to do next. If she has stopped breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and do not stop until she breathes on her own or someone else can take over. If you can, have someone call 911 right away. If you are alone, wait until your child is breathing, or after 1 minute of CPR, then call 911.
Remember
You can help make your home poison-safe by doing the following:
Keep all medicines and household products locked up and out of your child's reach.
Use safety latches on drawers and cabinets where you keep objects that may be dangerous to your child.
Be prepared for a poisoning emergency. Post the Poison Help number by every phone in your home and program the number in your cell phone. 1-800-222-1222 will connect you right away to your nearest poison center. (Be sure that your babysitter knows this number.)
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Never leave small children alone in the home, even for a minute.
Install smoke alarms in furnace and sleeping areas. Check batteries once a month. It is best to use alarms with long-life batteries, but if these are not available, change the batteries at least yearly.
Plan several escape routes from each room in the house. Plan a place to meet right after leaving the house.
Conduct home fire drills so everyone knows how to get out in an emergency.
Do not smoke in bed.
Dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and ashes with care.
Keep matches and lighters away from children.
Be sure your gas water heater is off the ground. Spilled flammable liquids will be ignited by the pilot light.
When using candles, place them on a sturdy surface out of reach of children. Never leave a candle burning unattended.
Place a barrier around open flames.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing near a stove, fireplace, or open space heater.
Have your heating system checked and cleaned yearly.
Check electric appliances and cords regularly for wear or loose connections.
Use only 15-ampere fuses for lighting circuits. Never use a substitute for a fuse.
Place fire extinguishers around the home where the risk of fire is greatest—in the kitchen and furnace room and near the fireplace.
In Case of Fire
Get everyone outside right away. Go to your planned meeting place.
Do not stop to dress or put out the fire. (Most deaths occur from suffocation due to hot fumes and smoke, not from direct burning.)
Call the fire department from a neighbor's house or mobile phone.
-
A young passenger on an adult's bike makes the bike unstable and increases the braking time. A mishap at any speed easily attained during casual riding could cause significant injury to the child. Following these guidelines decreases, but does not eliminate, the risk of injury.
Preferably, children should ride in a bicycle-towed child trailer.
Only adult cyclists should carry young passengers.
Preferably ride with passengers in parks, on bike paths, or on quiet streets. Avoid busy thoroughfares and bad weather, and ride with caution and at a reduced speed.
Infants younger than 12 months are too young to sit in a rear bike seat and too young to wear a helmet. They should not be carried on a bicycle. Do not carry infants in backpacks or front packs on a bike.
Children who are old enough (12 months-4 years) to sit well unsupported and whose necks are strong enough to support a lightweight helmet may be carried in a child-trailer or rear-mounted seat.
A rear-mounted seat must
Be securely attached over the rear wheel.
Have spoke guards to prevent feet and hands from being caught in the wheels.
Have a high back and a sturdy shoulder harness and lap belt that will support a sleeping child.
A lightweight infant bike helmet should always be worn by a young passenger to prevent or minimize head injury. Small Styrofoam helmets that meet US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards are available.
The child must be strapped into the bike seat with a sturdy harness.
Remember, the risk of serious injury still exists when you carry a young child on your bicycle.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
When purchasing home playground equipment, choose a set that is labeled as meeting safety standard ASTM F1148.
Carefully supervise young children using playground equipment. Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting.
The surface under playground equipment should be energy absorbent. Use safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (such as shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches.
Install the protective surface at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
Swing seats should be made of something soft, not wood or metal.
Children should not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of moving swings.
Put home playground equipment together correctly. It should sit on a level surface and be anchored firmly to the ground. You may need help from a professional to install the equipment properly.
Cap all screws and bolts. Check periodically for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.
Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.
Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment, such as those on slides, which could cause burns.
Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment because children can strangle on them.
Children should always wear shoes and should not wear helmets or clothing with drawstrings while playing.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Item description
-
Item description
-
Establish the helmet habit early.
Have your children wear helmets as soon as they start to ride scooters or tricycles and if they are a passenger on the back of an adult's bike. If they learn to wear helmets whenever they ride something with wheels, it becomes a habit for a lifetime. It's never too late, however, to get your children into helmets. Allow your children to participate in choosing their helmet. They'll be able to let you know if it is comfortable. And if they like the design, they are more likely to wear it.
Wear a helmet yourself.
Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride your bike, put on your helmet. Plan bicycle outings during which all family members wear their helmets to further reinforce the message. The most important factor influencing children to wear helmets is riding with an adult who wears a helmet.
Talk to your children about why you want them to protect their heads.
There are many things you can tell your children to convince them of the importance of helmet use.
Bikes are vehicles, not toys.
You love and value them and their intelligence and need to protect them.
They can permanently hurt their brains or even die of head injuries.
Most professional athletes use helmets when participating in sports. Bicycle racers are required to use them when racing in the United States and in the Olympics.
Reward your kids for wearing helmets.
Praise them; give them special treats or privileges when they wear their helmets without having to be told.
Don't let children ride their bikes unless they wear their helmets.
Be consistent. If you allow your children to ride occasionally without their helmets, they won't believe that helmet use really is important. Tell your children they have to find another way to get where they are going if they don't want to use their helmets.
Encourage your children's friends to wear helmets.
Peer pressure can be used in a positive way if several families in the neighborhood make helmet use a regular habit at the same time.
How should a helmet fit?
A helmet should be worn squarely on top of the head, covering the top of the forehead. If it is tipped back, it will not protect the forehead. The helmet fits well if it doesn't move around on the head or slide down over the wearer's eyes when pushed or pulled. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly.
Remember
Head injuries can occur on sidewalks, on driveways, on bike paths, and in parks, as well as on streets. You cannot predict when a fall from a bike will occur. It's important to wear a helmet on every ride.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Swimming and playing in water can give your child much enjoyment and good exercise. But you must take steps to prevent your child from drowning.
Never let your child swim in any body of water without an adult watching. The supervising adult should be focusing all his or her attention on the child and not be using a phone, reading a book, or distracted in any way.
Be sure the adult watching your child knows how to swim, get emergency help, and perform CPR.
Keep a life preserver and shepherd's hook in the pool area to help pull a child to the edge of the pool if necessary.
Teach your child safety rules and make sure they are obeyed.
Never swim alone. Lifeguards, supervising adults, and buddies can all help prevent drowning.
Never dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.
Always use a life jacket when on a boat, fishing, or playing in a river or stream.
Do not permit your child to walk or skate on ice unless an adult has checked that the ice is thick enough to be safe.
Don't let young children and children who cannot swim use inflatable toys, water wings, or mattresses in water that is above the waist. These are toys, not safety devices.
Watch children closely when they are playing near standing water, wells, open postholes, or irrigation or drainage ditches. If possible, get rid of standing water near your home.
Teach your child to swim once he or she is ready. Some children may be ready to learn as early as age 1 year. All children should have the opportunity to learn swim skills by age 5 years.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Environmental dangers are everywhere. Most of these dangers are more harmful to children than adults. However, there are things you can do to reduce your child's contact with them. Read more to learn about how to protect your family from environmental dangers.
Where children live
Air pollution is not just a problem outside. There can be things in the air inside your home that can harm your child. There can also be hazards found in the dust and dirt in or around your home and yard. The following are examples of hazards found where children live:
Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural fiber that was often used for fireproofing, insulating, and soundproofing between the 1940s and 1970s. Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes crumbly. If that happens, asbestos fibers get into the air and are breathed into the lungs. Breathing in these fibers can cause chronic health problems, including a rare form of lung cancer. Asbestos can still be found in some older homes, often as insulation around pipes. Schools are required by law to remove asbestos or make sure that children are not exposed to it.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Don't allow children to play near exposed or crumbling materials that may contain asbestos.
✓ If you think there is asbestos in your home, have an expert look at it.
✓ If your home has asbestos, use a certified contractor to help solve the problem. You could have more problems if the asbestos isn't contained or removed safely.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that has no taste, no color, and no odor. It comes from appliances or heaters that burn gas, oil, wood, propane, or kerosene. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous. If left unchecked, exposure to CO can lead to memory loss, personality changes, brain damage, and death.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Call the Poison Help number at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect CO poisoning.
✓ See your doctor right away if everyone in your house has flu-like symptoms (headache, fatigue, nausea) at the same time, especially if the symptoms go away when you leave the house.
✓ Put CO detectors on each floor in your home.
✓ Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open.
✓ Never use a charcoal grill inside the home or in a closed space.
✓ Have furnaces; woodstoves; fireplaces; and gas-fired water heaters, ovens, ranges, and clothes dryers checked and serviced each year.
✓ Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
Household products
Many cleaning products give off dangerous fumes or leave residues. These products can be harmful if they are not thrown out properly (for example, if they are left in the garage).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Only use these products when needed.
✓ Always have enough ventilation when using these products.
✓ Store them in a safe place.
✓ Bring empty containers to your local hazardous waste disposal center.
Lead
Lead is one of the most serious environmental problems to children. Your child can get lead in her body if she swallows lead dust, breathes lead vapors, or eats soil or paint chips that have lead in them. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, anemia, or damage to the brain and kidneys.
Lead is most often found in
Paint that is on the inside and outside of homes built before 1978
Dust and paint chips from old paint
Soil that has lead in it (particularly around older homes or by businesses that used lead)
Hobby materials such as paints, solders, fishing weights, and buckshot
Food stored in certain ceramic dishes (especially if dishes were made in another country)
Older painted toys and furniture such as cribs
Tap water, especially in homes that have lead solder on pipes
Mini-blinds manufactured outside the United States before July 1997
A child who has high lead levels may not look or act sick. The only way to know if your child has lead in her body is with a blood test.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If your home was built before 1978, test the paint for lead. If lead paint is found, get expert advice on how to repair it safely. Unsafe repairs can increase your child's risk for exposure to lead.
✓ Don't scrape or sand paint that may have lead in it.
✓ Clean painted areas with soap and water and cover peeling, flaking, or chipping paint with new paint, duct tape, or contact paper.
✓ Make sure painted areas are repaired before putting cribs, playpens, beds, or high chairs next to them.
✓ Check with your health department to see if the water in your area contains lead.
✓ Always use cold water for mixing formula, cooking, and drinking. Run the water for 1 to 2 minutes before each use.
✓ Ask your pediatrician if your child needs a lead test. A blood test is the only accurate way to test for lead poisoning.
✓ Encourage your child to wash his hands often, especially before eating.
✓ Give your child a healthy diet with the right amounts of iron and calcium.
✓ Before moving into a home or apartment, check for possible lead problems.
✓ Never live in an old house while it's being renovated.
Molds
Molds grow almost anywhere and can be found in any part of a home. Common places where molds grow include the following:
Damp basements
Closets
Showers and tubs
Refrigerators
Air conditioners and humidifiers
Garbage pails
Mattresses
Carpets (especially if wet)
Children who live in moldy places are more likely to develop allergies, asthma, and other health problems.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Keep the surfaces in your home dry.
✓ Throw away wet carpets that can't be dried.
✓ Keep air conditioners and humidifiers clean and in good working order.
✓ Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and the bathroom to help keep the air dry.
✓ Avoid using items that are likely to get moldy, like foam rubber pillows and mattresses.
From-the-job hazards
From-the-job hazards brought into the home can be dangerous to children. This can happen when parents who work with harmful chemicals bring them into the home on their skin, hair, clothes, or shoes. People who work in the following places are most at risk:
Painting and construction sites
Car body or repair shops
Car battery and radiator factories
Shipyards
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Find out if you or any adult in your home is exposed to lead, asbestos, mercury, or chemicals at work.
✓ If so, shower and change before coming home.
✓ Wash work clothes separately from other laundry.
Radon
Radon is a gas that can be found in water, building materials, and natural gas. It has no taste, no color, and no odor. Radon can seep into a home through cracks in the foundation, floors, and walls. High levels of radon have been found in homes in many parts of the United States. Breathing in radon doesn't cause health problems at first. However, over time it can increase your risk of lung cancer. Radon is believed to be the second most common cause of lung cancer (after smoking) in the United States.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Check with your health department to see if radon levels are high in your area.
✓ Test your home for radon. Home radon tests don't cost much and are easy to use. The results can be analyzed by a certified laboratory. You can't test yourself or your child for radon exposure.
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). This is the smoke breathed out by a smoker or from the tip of a burning cigarette, pipe, or cigar. Children are exposed to secondhand smoke any time they are around someone smoking a cigarette, pipe, or cigar. The chemicals in secondhand smoke can cause cancer. In fact, secondhand smoke has been linked to 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in people who don't even smoke!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ If you are a smoker, get help so you can quit! (Children whose parents smoke are more likely to try smoking than those whose parents give clear messages that smoking is not healthy.)
✓ Remove your children from places where smoking is allowed, even if no one is smoking while you are there.
✓ Make your home and car smoke-free.
What children eat and drink
Drinking water
Children drink 5 to 10 times more water for their size than adults. Most of this water is tap water. Tap water in most areas is protected by law. However, small water supplies, such as from private wells, are not.
Many people use bottled water because they think it's better than tap water. Some brands are better. However, other brands may only be tap water that's bottled and sold separately. Bottled water costs a lot more than tap water, but may be needed in some areas. Children need fluoride for good dental health. Only some brands of bottled water have fluoride, so read the labels.
Some of the things in drinking water that can make children sick include the following:
Germs
Nitrates
Heavy metals
Chlorine
Radioactive particles
By-products from cleaning products
The quality of water in the United States is among the best in the world, but problems do happen. County health departments and state environmental agencies are the best sources of information about the water where you live.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Find out where your water comes from. If you are on a municipal water supply, the water company must tell you what is in the water. If your water is not regulated or you have a well, have it tested each year.
✓ Always drink and cook with cold water. Contaminants can build up in water heaters.
✓ If you are not sure of your plumbing, run the water for 1 to 2 minutes each morning before you drink or cook with water. This flushes the pipes and reduces the chances of a contaminant getting into your water. In some areas more time is needed to flush water through the pipes. Ask your pediatrician or health department about recommendations specific to your area.
✓ If you have well water and a baby younger than 1 year, have your water tested for nitrates before giving it to your baby. Breastfeeding, using ready-to-feed formula, or using bottled water with powdered formula is wise until you know if your water is safe. If you have questions, call your local health department.
✓ If you think your water may have germs, you can kill most of them by boiling the water and cooling it before use. Do not boil water for longer than 1 minute. This can cause a buildup of toxins and metals in the water. Water filters installed on faucets or pitchers that have built-in filters may also help remove harmful contaminants from tap water.
Mercury
Mercury that gets into oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds can get into the fish we eat. Mercury can also be found in many other places. Because mercury can be toxic, especially in large doses, every effort should be made to reduce exposure to children and pregnant women.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Don't eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. Also, limit your child's intake of canned light tuna, shrimp, pollock, salmon, cod, catfish, clams, flatfish, crabs, and scallops to 2 meals per week. Albacore (white) tuna should be limited to 1 meal per week. Pregnant or nursing women should also limit the amount of these fish they eat.
✓ Check with local advisories about the safety of fish caught in your area. If no advice is available, only give your child up to 1 meal per week of fish from your local waters.
✓ Remove mercury thermometers from your home. See if your community has a thermometer exchange program for the proper disposal of these thermometers.
✓ The material traditionally used to fill dental cavities contains small amounts of mercury. There is no scientific proof that this is dangerous to children. However, if this worries you, talk to your dentist about other treatment options.
✓ Talk with your pediatrician if your family uses mercury in folk remedies or in cultural traditions (such as Santeria [religion originating in Cuba]).
To do their part, drug companies have stopped using mercury as a preservative in vaccines (even though it was used only in very small amounts). All vaccines for children, except some influenza (flu) vaccine and Td (tetanus-diphtheria—containing) vaccines, are now free of mercury.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects, weeds, and fungi. Many are toxic to the environment and to people. Too much exposure to pesticides can cause a wide range of health problems.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Wash all fruits and vegetables with water.
✓ Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season because they are less likely to be heavily sprayed.
✓ If possible, eat foods that are grown without the use of chemical pesticides.
✓ Use nonchemical pest control methods in your home and garden.
✓ Keep all pesticides out of children's reach to avoid accidental poisoning.
✓ Tell neighbors before you spray outdoors.
Where children play
Art supplies
Art supplies can cause health problems in children who use them. While older children can usually use these products safely, most younger children and some children with disabilities cannot. Harmful art supplies can include the following:
Rubber cement
Permanent felt-tip markers
Pottery glazes
Enamels
Spray fixatives
Prepackaged papier-mâché
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Use only nontoxic art supplies.
✓ Read and follow all instructions carefully.
✓ Always use products in a well-ventilated room.
✓ Look for the ACMI (Art & Creative Materials Institute Inc.) nontoxic seal or other information on the label that says the product is safe for children.
✓ Talk with your school to make sure only safe art supplies are being used.
Insect repellent
Most insect repellents include a chemical called DEET (diethyltoluamide). This chemical is absorbed into the skin and can harm children.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Choose an insect repellent that is made for children. Make sure the brand you choose has no more than 30% DEET for infants older than 2 months and older children. Do not use DEET products on infants younger than 2 months.
✓ Apply insect repellent to clothing when possible, rather than directly on the skin.
Lawn and garden fertilizers
Lawn and garden fertilizers can be harmful if children come in contact with them while playing in the yard. Many of these products are made with chemicals (pesticides) that are known to cause health problems, especially in children.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Use these chemicals only when needed.
✓ Read and follow the instructions carefully.
✓ Keep your child off a treated lawn until it has been watered twice and the odor of the chemicals is gone.
Ozone
Ozone is colorless gas found in the air and is harmful the closer it gets to the ground. Ozone levels are highest in summer, in the late afternoon. Ozone pollution can cause breathing problems in children with asthma.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Keep your child indoors as much as you can when there's a health advisory or smog alert.
✓ Take public transportation, carpool, walk, or ride a bike instead of driving when you can, or buy a fuel-economic car. This will help reduce the amount of air pollution caused by cars.
Sun
The sun is the main cause of skin cancer in the United States. Children's skin can burn easily. Sunburns can be very painful and can cause a child to become sick. The sun's rays can also damage the eyes.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✓ Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.
✓ Choose a sunscreen made for children with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
✓ Use hats and sunglasses to protect your child's head and eyes from the sun.
✓ Try to keep your child in the shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when the sun's rays are strongest.
✓ Dress your child in lightweight clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.
Are electric and magnetic fields safe?
All electric appliances like microwaves, computers, and TVs produce electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) when they are used. There is some concern that exposure to these fields may cause health problems, including cancer. However, more research is needed and a definite link between cancer and EMFs has not been made.
Until more is known about EMFs, reduce your child's exposure by
Keeping your child away from microwaves while they are in use
Having your child sit at least 3 feet from the TV screen
Moving electric clocks, radios, and baby monitors away from your child's bed
Not using electric bedding (blankets, mattress pads, heating pads, and waterbed heaters)
To learn more
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
800/232-4636
American Lung Association
800/LUNGUSA (800/586-4872)
Environmental Protection Agency
202/272-0167
Food and Drug Administration
888/INFO-FDA (888/463-6332)
Health Resources and Services Administration Posion Control Program
National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
202/543-5450
National Pesticide Information Center
800/858-7378
Remember
Whether it is inside or outside, children love to explore their environment. This natural curiosity is an important way for children to learn. Be aware of the possible dangers that your child may face. Keep in mind that not all environmental dangers can be avoided completely, and do what you can to reduce your child's exposure.
Hotlines
EMF InfoLine
800/363-2383
National Lead Information Center
800/424-LEAD (800/424-5323)
National Radon Hotline
800/SOS-RADON (800/767-7236)
Poison Help
1-800-222-1222
Safe Drinking Water Hotline
800/426-4791
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned in this publication. Phone numbers and Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.
-
This handout provides some basic information about the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy and some things you can do if you are worried that your infant or unborn child may be infected. The video "Pediatrician Advice for Families: Responding to Your Concerns about Zika" can be seen at www.healthychildren.org/zikavirus and has additional information.
What we know about Zika virus infection
Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should avoid areas where Zika virus is known to be a risk. If you live in these areas, you may consider waiting to become pregnant. If you are already pregnant, take the following steps to avoid getting mosquito bites:
Regularly use bug spray that is safe for pregnant women
Cover your arms and legs with clothing when outdoors
Stay indoors when you can
Zika virus can also be spread by sexual contact for several months. Men should wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive a baby, and women should wait at least 8 weeks.
Zika virus cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing a glass. People who are infected don't have to avoid being near others, even pregnant women. Almost all adults who become infected will recover without treatment. The main concern is when Zika infection occurs during pregnancy.
Possible effects of Zika virus infection on babies
At birth, most babies with Zika virus will be okay. But in some babies, being born with Zika virus can slow the growth and development of their brain. Some of these babies are born with abnormally small heads or have problems with their development, joints, vision, or hearing, and they may have seizures. Some babies who are infected may appear normal at birth, but issues could arise during their first year. Experts don't know yet if there are other problems that may not be seen until later in childhood.
Your pediatrician can help you determine possible concerns and refer you to specialists.
Concerns about Zika virus infection can cause strong emotions
Finding out that your unborn child may be infected with Zika virus can cause a range of strong feelings, including the following:
Feeling afraid, anxious and worried, sad or depressed, or a sense of loss
Finding it hard to concentrate and make decisions
Experiencing sleep or appetite problems or feeling tired or drained
Having physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches
Having a shorter temper than usual
You may be asked to make difficult decisions quickly, at a time when you are upset. Remember that your concerns are important.
Share your concerns with your health care team.
Strategies to deal with stress
Some common things you can do to deal with stress include the following:
Talk with a counselor and someone you trust, such as family, friends, or a faith-based professional
Join a support group or talk with others with similar experiences through social media
Write about your feelings, practice art or other creative activities
Try exercise, yoga, or meditation
Be sure not to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to relax—these are never good ways to avoid distress, and they can be very harmful to a fetus.
Ask for and accept help from professionals who can teach you new ways to deal with your stress. Your partner, family members, and friends may have different ways they deal with stress. Figure out what works best for you—and those you care about.
This information is accurate as of April 2017. For the most up-to-date information, see the resources below.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists resource page for patients: http://www.acog.org/About-ACOG/ACOG-Departments/Zika-Virus/Resources-for-Patients
American Academy of Pediatrics Zika resource page for families: www.healthychildren.org/zikavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Zika resource pages: www.cdc.gov/zika and www.cdc.gov/zika/parents
This publication is supported by cooperative agreement number 5U38OT000167-04, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend, based on individual facts and circumstances.
For more information, contact the American Academy of Pediatrics at DisasterReady@aap.org. The AAP acknowledges David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, for his leadership on this product.
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.
© 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. AAP Feed run on: 9/23/2024 Article information last modified on: 8/6/2023
-
Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries if you and your child take a few simple steps.
At age 10, children will do more things away from home. They will spend more time on a bike or in a car and will not see the need for adults to watch over them. You must take charge; you must remind your child of safety! It takes only a few steps to prevent major, common injuries.
Firearm Hazards
It is best to keep all guns out of your home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you choose to keep a gun, store it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Your child is in more danger of being shot by himself, his friends, or a family member than of being injured by an intruder.
Ask if the homes where your child visits have a gun and how it is stored. Talk with your child about guns in school or on the streets. Find out if your child's friends carry guns.
Sports Safety
At this age your child may be playing baseball, soccer, or other sports. Ask your doctor which sports are right for his or her age. Be sure your child wears the protective equipment made for that sport, such as shin pads, mouth guards, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmets. Ask your child's coach what is needed.
And Remember Car Safety
Your child must buckle the seat belt EVERY TIME he or she rides in any car. Booster seats should be used until the lap belt can be worn low and flat on the hips and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and the shoulder rather than the face or neck (usually at about 4 feet 9 inches tall and are 8 through 12 years of age). Remind your child to buckle up when riding with others. Ask your child to remind you to buckle up, too! Install shoulder belts in the back seat of your car if they are not already there. Serious injuries can happen to your child when a lap belt is used alone. The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
Bike Safety
Your child may want to ride his or her bike farther away from home. Teach your child the "Rules of the Road" and be sure your child knows them. You must watch your child to be sure he or she can handle a bike safely. Make sure your child always wears a helmet while riding a bike. It is still very dangerous for your child to ride at dusk or after dark. Make sure your child brings in the bike as soon as the sun starts to set.
Would you be able to help your child in case of an injury? Put emergency numbers by or on your phone today. Learn first aid and CPR. Be prepared..for your child's sake!
SAFETY IN A KID'S WORLD
Open the PDF to view games on page 2.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on the individual facts and circumstances.
-
Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries!
At age 5, your child is learning to do many things that can cause serious injury, such as riding a bicycle or crossing a street. Although children learn fast , they still cannot judge what is safe. You must protect your child. You can prevent common major injuries by taking a few simple steps.
Bike Safety
Your child should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. Buy the helmet when you buy the bike! Make sure your child wears a helmet every time he or she rides. A helmet helps prevent head injuries and can save your child's life.
Never let your child ride a bike in the street. Your child is too young to ride in the street safely.
Be sure that the bike your child rides is the right size. Your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground when sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebars. Your child's first bicycle should have coaster brakes. Five-year-olds are often unable to use hand brakes correctly.
Street Safety
Your child is in danger of being hit by a car if he or she darts out into the streetwhile playing. Take your child to the playground or park to play. Show yourchild the curb and teach him or her to always stop at the curb and nevercross the street without a grown-up.
Water Safety
Now is the time to teach your child to swim. Even if your child knows how to swim, never let him or her swim alone.
Do not let your child play around any water (lake, stream, pool, or ocean) unless an adult is watching. Never let your child swim in canals or any fast-moving water.
Teach your child to never dive into water unless an adult has checked the depth of the water. And when your child is on any boat, be sure your child is wearing a life jacket.
Fire Safety
Household fires are a threat to your child's life, as well as your own. Install smoke alarms on every level in your house, especially in furnace and sleeping areas, and test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries once a year.
Teach your child not to play with matches or lighters, and keep matches and lighters out of your child's reach. Also, do not smoke in your home. Many home fires are caused by a lit cigarette that has not been put out completely.
Car Safety
Car crashes are one of the greatest dangers to your child's life and health. The crushing forces to your child's brain and body in a crash or sudden stop, even at low speeds, can cause severe injuries or death. To prevent these injuries, correctly use a car safety seat or belt-positioning booster seat and seat belt every time your child is in the car. Your child should use a car safety seat with a harness until he reaches the seat's upper weight limit or his ears come to the top of the seat; then he should use a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is not big enough to fit in the adult seat belt yet. The safest place for all children to ride is the backseat. Set a good example. Make sure you and other adults buckle up, too!
Firearm Hazards
Children in homes where guns are present are in more danger of being shot by themselves, their friends, or family members than of being injured by an intruder. Even if your child is taught never to touch a gun, if there is a gun in the house a child's curiosity can lead to severe injury or death. It is best to keep all guns out of the home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you choose to keep a gun, keep it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Ask if the homes where your child visits or is cared for have guns and how they are stored.
Would you be able to help your child in case of an injury? Put emergency numbers by or on your phone today. Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Be prepared...for your child's sake!
SAFETY IN A KID'S WORLD
Dear Parent: Your child is old enough to start learning how to prevent injuries. The games below are designed to help your child think about safety. Read the messages with your child and talk about them together. Then take this safety sheet home and post it where everyone can see it.
It takes time to form a safety habit. Remind each other what it says. Make safety a big part of your lives.
Bike Safety
Always wear a
when you ride your
Get the Helmet Habit!
Street Safety
Never run into the street. The street is not safe for kids.
When you come to the curb...
Directions: Show John the curb.
Color the curb. Then color the picture
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on the individual facts and circumstances.
-
Children can have a lot of fun playing with their toys. However, it's important to keep in mind that safety should always come first. Each year thousands of children are injured by toys.
Read on to learn what to look for when buying toys and how a few simple ideas for safe use can often prevent injuries.
How to prevent injuries
Most injuries from toys are minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. However, toys can cause serious injury or even death. This happens when toys are dangerous or used in the wrong way. The following are ways to help prevent injuries:
Supervise your child's play
Do not allow reckless or improper play. Injuries can happen when toys are thrown, jumped on, or taken apart.
Watch out for small, loose, or broken toys. A small toy or part can easily get stuck in a child's ear, nose, or throat. Children can be seriously injured or killed from inhaling, swallowing, or choking on objects such as magnets, marbles, small balls, toy parts, or balloons. Keep all toys with small parts away from your child until she learns not to do this, usually by about 5 years of age.
Watch your child carefully around balloons. Uninflated and broken balloons are a serious choking hazard. Your child can easily inhale the balloon when she tries to inflate it. Or if she tries to bite the balloon and it bursts, she can swallow the broken pieces.
Always check the batteries. If a toy has small batteries, be sure the battery compartment is sealed tightly so your child cannot get them out. Small batteries are a choking hazard.
Watch out for loose strings, ropes, ribbons, or cords. These can get tangled around a child's neck. They are often found in crib toys; on pull toys; on clothing, such as hood cords; or tied to pacifiers.
Have a safe play area for riding toys. Injuries can happen when children fall off riding toys or play with them in or near the street or near swimming pools, ponds, and lakes. Other riding toys such as skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Be sure your child wears a helmet and safety gear when using these toys.
Keep toys in good condition
Repair or replace any broken parts. Look for damaged or broken parts, splinters on wooden toys, loose eyes or small parts on dolls, and exposed wires on electric toys. A broken toy can expose sharp or pointed edges.
Don't let toys get rusty. Never leave metal toys outside overnight, as they may get rusty.
Check for fire hazards. Burns and shocks can result from frayed cords, misuse, or overuse of electric plug-in toys.
Store toys properly
Store toys on a shelf or in a toy chest. Toys should be out of the way and off the floor to avoid being stepped on or tripped over. Also, choose a toy chest carefully. Toy chests can pinch, bruise, or break tiny fingers and hands if they close suddenly. Children can also suffocate if they get trapped inside a toy chest. The best toy chest is a box or basket without a lid. However, if it has a lid, make sure it has safe hinges that hold the lid open and do not pinch. The chest should also have air holes just in case your child gets trapped inside.
Keep toys made for an older child far out of reach of a younger child. These toys may have small parts or be harmful in other ways.
Never store a toy in its original package. Staples and stiff plastic containers can cause cuts, and plastic wrap can lead to choking or suffocation.
How to buy a safe toy
Here are 10 tips to help you choose safe and appropriate toys for your child.
Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way.
Think LARGE. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking.
Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.
Avoid toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child's hearing.
Look for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable. Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.
Buy plastic toys that are sturdy. Toys made from thin plastic may break easily.
Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says "nontoxic."
Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.
Electric toys should be "UL Approved." Check the label to be sure.
Be careful when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short to avoid strangulation. Crib toys should be removed as soon as your child can push up on his hands and knees.
Gift ideas by age
Age recommendations on toys can be helpful because they offer guidelines on the following:
The safety of the toy (for example, if there any possible choking hazards)
The ability of a child to play with the toy
The ability of a child to understand how to use a toy
The needs and interests at various levels of a child's development
These recommendations are based on general developmental levels of each age group. However, every child is different. What is right for one child may not suit the skills and needs of another. Match the toy to your child's abilities. A toy that is too advanced or too simple for your child may be misused, which could lead to an injury.
The following is a list of toys that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for specific age groups. Keep in mind, these are only guidelines. Parents should continue to watch out for mislabeled toys and always supervise young children.
Young infants (birth–6 months old)
Toys for this age are for looking, sucking, listening, and touching.
Mobiles or hanging toys that are out of baby's reach
Rattles they can easily hold or shake
Soft squeeze balls
Large unbreakable mirrors mounted on a crib or wall
Older infants (7–12 months old)
Toys for this age group should appeal to your baby's sight, hearing, and touch.
Cloth, plastic, or board books with large pictures
Large blocks (wood or plastic)
Soft, washable animals, dolls, or balls
Activity boards and cubes
Floating bath toys
Squeeze and squeak toys
Disks or keys on rings
Stacking toys
Toddlers (1 to 2 years old)
Toys for this age group should be able to withstand a toddler's curious nature.
Cloth, plastic, or board books with large pictures
Sturdy dolls
Stuffed toys (no small or removable parts)
Ride-on toys (no pedals)
Rhythm instruments like bells, drums, cymbals, and xylophones
Nesting and stacking blocks
Push and pull toys (no long strings)
Toy phones (no cords)
Hidden object or pop-up toys
Matching and sorting games
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
Toys for this age group can be creative or imitate the activity of parents and older children.
Books (short or action stories)
Simple board games
Building blocks
Crayons, nontoxic paints, clay, chalk
Toy tools
Housekeeping toys
Ride-on toys (tricycles, cars, wagons)
Number and letter puzzles with large pieces
Dress-up clothes
Tea party sets
6- to 9-year-olds
Toys for this age group should help your child develop new skills and creativity.
Crafts or sewing sets
Card games
Doctor and nurse kits
Hand puppets
Table games
Electric trains
Paper dolls
Bicycles with helmets
Roller skates or in-line skates with protective gear
Other sports equipment like balls or jump ropes
10- to 14-year-olds
Hobbies and scientific activities are ideal for this age group.
Computer games (Check the ratings on computer games to be sure they are OK for your child.)
Sewing, knitting, needlework
Microscopes/telescopes
Table and board games
Sports equipment
Hobby collections
How safe are toy guns?
It has been shown that toy guns can cause serious or deadly injuries to children. This is especially true for pellet and BB guns. Although these are often thought of as toys, they can be high-powered, deadly devices. Parents should also be aware that studies in recent years have raised questions about the effect playing with toy guns has on a child's developing personality. Playing with toy weapons and guns may cause more aggressive, violent behavior in some children. Playing with toy guns may also make it easier for a child to mistake a real gun for a toy.
For more information
If you're not sure about a toy's safety or proper use, call the manufacturer. To check whether a toy is unsafe or to report a toy-related injury, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800/638-2772 or visit its Web site at www.cpsc.gov .
Important information about recalled toys
One of the goals of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is to protect consumers and families from dangerous toys. It sets up rules and guidelines to ensure products are safe and issues recalls of products if a problem is found. Toys are recalled for various reasons including unsafe lead levels, choking or fire hazards, or other problems that make them dangerous. Toys that are recalled should be removed right away. If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, ask your child's doctor about testing for elevated blood lead levels.
If you are not sure about the safety of a toy or want to know if a toy has been recalled, see the CPSC Web site ( www.cpsc.gov ) for photos and descriptions of all recalled toys.
Please note: Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned in this publication. Phone numbers and Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.
-
Airbags can protect teen and adult lives when used with seat belts. However, airbags are dangerous for babies and young children. Here is important safety information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about airbags and car safety seats.
Important Safety Information About Airbags
Never put an infant in the front seat of a car, truck, SUV, or van with a passenger airbag.
Side airbags improve safety for adults in side impact crashes, but children who are not properly restrained and are seated near a side airbag may be at risk for serious injury. Check your vehicle owner's manual to see what it says about children and side airbags.
New "advanced" airbags make travel safer for adults, but it is not yet known how they will affect the safety of children. Even though these new airbags may be safer, the back seat is still the safest place for children younger than 13 years to ride.
Eliminate potential risks of airbags to children by buckling them in the back seat for every ride.
Plan ahead so that you do not have to drive with more children than can be safely restrained in the back seat.
For most families, installation of airbag on/off switches is not necessary. Airbags that are turned off provide no protection to older children, teens, parents, or other adults riding in the front seat.
Airbag on/off switches should only be used if your child has special health care needs for which your child's doctor recommends constant observation during travel and no other adult is available to ride in the back seat with your child.
If no other arrangement is possible and an older child must ride in the front seat, move the vehicle seat back as far as it can go, away from the airbag. Be sure the child is restrained properly for their size. Keep in mind that your child may still be at risk for injuries from the airbag. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride.
Important Safety Reminders About Car Safety Seats
The safest place for all infants and children younger than 13 years to ride is in the back seat. All children should be properly secured in car safety seats, in belt-positioning booster seats, or by the lap and shoulder belts correct for their size.
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer.
All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer.
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.
For More Information
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.org
Disclaimer
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Learning to ride a bike is a developmental milestone in the life of a child. Yet all too often children are seriously injured, or even killed, when they do not follow basic bicycle safety rules. Following is a list of common bicycle safety myths, coupled with the correct information you need to teach your children about safe bike riding. These facts will help you and your children make every bike ride safe.
Myth: My child doesn't need to wear a helmet on short rides around the neighborhood.
Fact: Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many injuries happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. In fact, most bike crashes happen near home. A helmet protects your child from serious injury and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
Myth: A football helmet will work just as well as a bicycle helmet.
Fact: Only a bicycle helmet is made specifically to protect the head from any fall that may occur while biking. Other helmets or hard hats are made to protect the head from other types of injury. Never allow your child to wear another type of helmet when riding a bike, unless it is a multisport helmet certified for bicycle use by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Myth: I need to buy a bicycle for my child to grow into.
Fact: Oversized bikes are especially dangerous. Your child does not have the skills and coordination needed to handle a bigger bike and may lose control. Your child should be able to sit on the seat, with hands on the handlebars, and place both feet on the ground. Your child's first bike should also be equipped with foot brakes because your child's hand muscles and coordination are not mature enough to control hand brakes.
Myth: It's safer for my child to ride facing traffic.
Fact: Your child should always ride on the right, with traffic. Riding against traffic confuses or surprises drivers. Almost one-quarter of bicycle-car collisions result from bicyclists riding against traffic.
Myth: Children shouldn't use hand signals because signaling may cause them to lose control of their bikes.
Fact: Hand signals are an important part of the "rules of the road" and should be taught to all children before they begin to ride in the street. They are an important communication link between cyclists and motorists. Any child who does not have the skills necessary to use hand signals without falling or swerving shouldn't be riding in the street. Many crashes involving older children occur when they fail to signal motorists to their intended actions.
Myth: Bike reflectors and a reflective vest will make it safe for my child to ride at night.
Fact: It's never safe for your child to ride a bike at night. Night riding requires special skills and special equipment. Few youngsters are equipped with either. Never allow your child to ride at dusk or after dark.
Myth: I don't need to teach my child all of this bicycle safety stuff. I was never injured as a child. Biking is just meant to be fun.
Fact: Riding a bike is fun—if it's done safely. Unfortunately, most people don't realize hundreds of thousands of children are seriously injured each year in bicycle falls. Worse still, hundreds of children die of them each year. Although you may have been lucky enough to survive childhood without a serious bicycle-related injury, you shouldn't count on luck to protect your child.
Teach your child these basic safety rules.
Wear a helmet.
Ride on the right side, with traffic.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Respect traffic signals, including stop signs.
Basic safety measures like these can keep bicycle riding enjoyable and safe for your child.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when your child is riding in a vehicle.
Each year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But, because so many different seats are on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. If you are expectant parents, consider working with a certified passenger safety technician (CPST or CPS technician) , before your baby is born, to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital. (See If You Need Installation Help .)
The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child's age, size, and developmental needs. Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child. (See Car Safety Seats Product Information for a list of seats and manufacturer websites.)
NOTE: The "Types of Car Safety Seats at a Glance" chart is a quick guide on where to start your search. It's important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.
Installation Information—Seat Belts and LATCH
Car safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle's seat belt or its LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. LATCH is an attachment system for car safety seats. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier to use in some cars. The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. The seat belt and LATCH systems are equally safe, so caregivers should use one or the other, whichever works best for them, their car safety seat, and their vehicle. In general, caregivers should use only 1 of the 2 options, unless the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturers say it is OK to use both systems at the same time.
Vehicles with the LATCH system have lower anchors located in the back seat, where the seat cushions meet. Tether anchors are located behind the seat, either on the panel behind the seat (in sedans) or on the back of the seat, ceiling, or floor (in most minivans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and pickup trucks). All forward-facing car safety seats have tethers or tether connectors that fasten to these anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, are equipped to use LATCH. See vehicle owner's manual for highest weight of child allowed to use top tether.
All lower anchors are rated for a maximum weight of 65 pounds (total weight includes car safety seat and child). Parents should check the car safety seat manufacturer's recommendations for maximum weight a child can be to use lower anchors. New car safety seats have the maximum weight printed on their label.
NOTE: Seat belts—If you install a car safety seat by using your vehicle's seat belt, you must make sure the seat belt locks to hold the seat tightly. In most newer cars, you can lock the seat belt by pulling it all the way out and then allowing it to retract to keep the seat belt tight around the car safety seat. In addition, many car safety seats have built-in lock-offs so you can lock the belt without having to lock the seat belt separately as well. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for details about how your seat belt locks.
Middle of the back seat—The safest place to ride for all children younger than 13 years is the back seat. If possible, it may be best for the child to ride in the middle of the back seat. However, it is sometimes difficult to install a car safety seat tightly in the middle if the vehicle seat is narrow or uneven. Also, many vehicles do not have lower anchors for the middle seating position. It is safest to put the car safety seat in a position where you can install it tightly with either the lower anchor system or the seat belt; in some cases, this position may be on either side of the back seat rather than in the middle. A child passenger safety technician (CPST or CPS technician) can help you decide which place is best to install your child's car safety seat in your vehicle.
Infants and Toddlers—Rear-Facing Seats
The AAP recommends that all infants ride rear facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more. When infants outgrow their rear-facing–only seat, a convertible seat installed rear facing is needed. All parents can benefit from getting installation help from a CPST to ensure that their child's seat is properly installed. (See If You Need Installation Help .)
Types of Rear-Facing Seats
Three types of rear-facing seats are available: rear-facing–only, convertible, and all-in-one. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their rear-facing–only seat, they should continue to ride rear facing in a convertible or all-in-one seat.
Rear-facing–only seats
Are used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.
Are small and have carrying handles.
Usually come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don't have to install the seat each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.
Should be used only for a child's travel (not sleeping, feeding, or any other use outside the vehicle).
Convertible seats (used rear facing)
Can be used rear facing and, later, "converted" to forward facing for older children when they outgrow either the weight limit or the length limit for rear facing. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. Convertible seats are bulkier than infant seats, however, and they do not come with carrying handles or separate bases and are designed to stay in the car.
Many have higher limits in rear-facing weight (up to 40–50 pounds) and height than those of rear-facing–only seats, a feature that makes convertible seats ideal for bigger babies and toddlers.
Have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips, and between the legs.
Should be used only for a child's travel (not sleeping, feeding, or any other use outside the vehicle).
All-in-one seats (used rear facing)
Can be used rear facing, forward facing, or as a belt-positioning booster. This means the seat may be used longer by your child as your child grows.
Are often bigger in size, so it is important to check that they fit in the vehicle while they are rear facing.
Do not have the convenience of a carrying handle or separate base; however, they may have higher limits in rear-facing weight (up to 40–50 pounds) and height than those of rear-facing–only seats, a feature that makes all-in-one seats ideal for bigger babies and toddlers.
Rear-facing–only seats
Are used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.
Are small and have carrying handles.
Usually come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don't have to install the seat each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.
Should be used only for a child's travel (not sleeping, feeding, or any other use outside the vehicle).
Convertible seats (used rear facing)
Can be used rear facing and, later, "converted" to forward facing for older children when they outgrow either the weight limit or the length limit for rear facing. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. Convertible seats are bulkier than infant seats, however, and they do not come with carrying handles or separate bases and are designed to stay in the car.
Many have higher limits in rear-facing weight (up to 40–50 pounds) and height than those of rear-facing–only seats, a feature that makes convertible seats ideal for bigger babies and toddlers.
Have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips, and between the legs.
Should be used only for a child's travel (not sleeping, feeding, or any other use outside the vehicle).
All-in-one seats (used rear facing)
Can be used rear facing, forward facing, or as a belt-positioning booster. This means the seat may be used longer by your child as your child grows.
Are often bigger in size, so it is important to check that they fit in the vehicle while they are rear facing.
Do not have the convenience of a carrying handle or separate base; however, they may have higher limits in rear-facing weight (up to 40–50 pounds) and height than those of rear-facing–only seats, a feature that makes all-in-one seats ideal for bigger babies and toddlers.
-
Children are naturally curious and love to explore. Young children especially like to explore by putting things in their mouths. Before or as soon as children begin crawling or walking, parents and caregivers need to take extra steps to make sure harmful items are out of reach, out of sight, and locked up if possible.
Take a moment to check each room in your home using the Safety Checklist in this publication.
Place a check in the first column next to the item if it is STORED OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Place a check in the second column next to the item if it is STORED IN A LOCKED CABINET WITH A SAFETY LATCH.
Also keep in mind that children may get into trash containers. Trash containers that contain spoiled food, sharp objects (like discarded razor blades), or batteries should have a child-resistant cover or be kept out of a child's reach. Purses and other bags that hold potential hazards, including medicines, should be kept out of a child's reach too.
Important Reminders
Most poisonings occur when parents or caregivers are home but not paying attention.
Keep products in original packaging.
Store in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children.
Install a safety latch that locks when you close the door on child-accessible cabinets.
Detergent in single-use laundry packets is very concentrated and can be toxic. Even a small amount of the detergent can cause serious breathing or stomach problems or eye irritation.
Never let your children handle or play with the packets. The packets dissolve quickly when in contact with water, wet hands, or saliva. Biting a packet can cause it to burst, shooting detergent into the child's mouth and throat or eyes.
Remember to seal the container and store it in a locked cabinet after each use. Make sure the container is out of sight and reach of children.
Adults should follow the instructions on the product label.
Small objects can be choking hazards or harmful if swallowed.
Check your floors regularly for small objects. This is particularly important if someone in the household has a hobby that involves small items or if there are older children who have small items.
Make sure battery covers are secure on remote controls, key fobs, musical books, and greeting cards. Store devices that contain small button batteries out of sight and reach of children. Button batteries can cause severe injury or death if ingested.
Medicines can be harmful if not taken as directed.
Purchase and keep medicines in original containers with safety caps.
Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dosage.
What to Do in Case of Poisoning
If you find your child with an open or empty container of a dangerous nonfood item, your child may have been poisoned.
Stay calm and act quickly.
Get the item away from your child. If there is still some in your child's mouth, make your child spit it out or remove it with your fingers. Keep this material along with anything else that might help determine what your child swallowed.
Do not make your child vomit because it may cause more damage.
If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
If your child does not have these symptoms, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. You may be asked for the following information:
Your name and phone number
Your child's name, age, and weight
Any medical conditions your child has
Any medicine your child is taking
The name of the item your child swallowed
The time your child swallowed the item (or when you found your child), and the amount you think was swallowed
If the poison is very dangerous, or if your child is very young, you may be told to take your child to the nearest hospital. If your child is not in danger, the Poison Help staff will tell you what to do to help your child at home.
Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
When a child receives his or her first tricycle or bicycle, a lifelong pattern of vehicle operation is begun. A bike is not just a toy but a vehicle that is a speedy means of transportation, subject to the same laws as motor vehicles.
Training Children in Proper Use of Their Bicycles
Parents should set limits on where children may ride, depending on their age and maturity. Most serious injuries occur when the bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle.
Young children should ride only with adult supervision and off the street.
The decision to allow older children to ride in the street should depend on traffic patterns, individual maturity, and an adequate knowledge and ability to follow the "rules of the road."
Children must be provided with helmets (approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission) and taught to wear them properly on every ride, starting when they get their first bike or tricycle.
The most important rules of the road for them to learn are
Ride with traffic.
Stop and look both ways before entering the street.
Stop at all intersections, marked and unmarked. Stop signs apply to everyone who uses the road, whether in a car or on a bike.
Before turning, use hand signals and look all ways. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before riding in front of a stopped car.
Children should never ride at dusk or in the dark. This is extremely risky for both children and adults. Your child should be told to call home for a ride rather than ride a bike.
Children should receive training in bicycle riding, including the rules of the road, and should have their privilege with the bike withheld if they ignore safety rules or don't wear a helmet.
Children should learn how to keep their bikes in good repair, with parents checking the tires, brakes, and seat and handlebar heights annually.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
About 55 million Americans own firearms. Of the 265 million firearms owned in the United States, 111 million are handguns. Research shows guns in homes are a serious risk to families.
A gun kept in the home is far more likely to kill or injure a household member than kill or injure an intruder.
A gun kept in the home triples the risk of homicide.
The risk of suicide is 5 times more likely if a gun is kept in the home.
Advice to Parents
The best way to keep your children safe from injury or death from guns is to NEVER have a gun in the home. Children cannot be hurt by a gun if no gun is near them.
Do not purchase a gun, especially a handgun.
Remove all guns from the home.
Remember that young children simply do not understand how dangerous guns can be, despite parents' warnings.
Find out if there are guns in the homes where your children play. If so, talk to the adults in the house about how the guns are stored. If you are not confident that the guns are stored unloaded and locked up out of sight and reach, consider having the children play at your house instead.
For Those Who Keep a Gun in the Home
Always keep the gun unloaded and locked up.
Store the bullets in a separate locked place.
Never share the keys or codes to open the locked boxes with your children.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Warm, sunny days are wonderful. It's great to exercise outside, and the sun feels good on your skin. But what feels good can harm you and your family. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to keep your family safe from the sun's harmful rays.
The Sun and Skin Cancer
The sun gives energy to all living things on earth, but it can also harm us. Its ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin and eyes and cause skin cancer. All skin cancers are harmful and some, especially malignant melanoma, can be deadly.
One-quarter of our lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence. Since children spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, it's important to protect them from the sun.
Research shows that 1 or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer later in life. Sunburns can also be very painful. Too much sun exposure can cause other problems, too, such as
Dehydration (loss of fluids) and fever
Damage to skin, such as changes in color and wrinkles
Cataracts (clouding of eye lens) of the eye
Damage to the body's immune system
Sun Safety Tips
It's good for children and adults to spend time playing and exercising outdoors, and it's important to do so safely. Follow these simple rules to protect your family from sunburns now and from skin cancer later in life.
Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.
When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.
Select clothes made with a tight weave; they protect better than clothes with a looser weave. If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Or you can look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck.
Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are strongest.
Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for child-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child.
Use sunscreen.
Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect his or her skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn and some skin cancers but only if used correctly. Keep in mind that sunscreen should be used for sun protection, not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.
How to pick sunscreen
Use a sunscreen that says "broad-spectrum" on the label; that means it will screen out both UVB and UVA rays.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50). An SPF of 15 or 30 should be fine for most people. More research studies are needed to test if sunscreen with more than SPF 50 offers any extra protection.
If possible, avoid the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone because of concerns about mild hormonal properties. Remember, though, that it's important to take steps to prevent sunburn, so using any sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.
For sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products may stay visible on the skin even after you rub them in, and some come in fun colors that children enjoy.
How to apply sunscreen
Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, and even backs of the knees. Rub it in well.
Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. It needs time to absorb into the skin.
Use sunscreen any time you or your child spends time outdoors. Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Also, UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete, so make sure you're protected.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Because most people use too little sunscreen, make sure to apply a generous amount.
Sunscreen for Babies
For babies younger than 6 months. Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available.
For babies older than 6 months. Apply to all areas of the body, but be careful around the eyes. If your baby rubs sunscreen into her eyes, wipe her eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen irritates her skin, try a different brand or sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If a rash develops, talk with your child's doctor.
Sunburns
When to call the doctor
If your baby is younger than 1 year and gets sunburn, call your baby's doctor right away. For older children, call your child's doctor if there is blistering, pain, or fever.
How to soothe sunburn
Here are 5 ways to relieve discomfort from mild sunburn.
Give your child water or 100% fruit juice to replace lost fluids.
Use cool water to help your child's skin feel better.
Give your child pain medicine to relieve painful sunburns. (For a baby 6 months or younger, give acetaminophen. For a child older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen.)
Only use medicated lotions if your child's doctor says it is OK.
Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn is fully healed.
About Indoor Tanning and Sunless Tanning Products
Many teens, especially girls and young women, go to tanning salons because a tan makes them feel more attractive and healthy. But tanning at a salon is dangerous! Like the natural sun, tanning beds give off UV rays that can cause sunburns and skin cancer. Tanning indoors is not safe for anyone—teens or adults!
Sunless tanning lotions, sprays, and airbrush tanning booths are popular too. These products contain a chemical that darkens the skin. The tan usually lasts for several days. However, all sunless tanning products can cause side effects such as skin rashes and irritation. They should also be kept away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. Most of these products do not include sunscreen, so skin is not protected from the real sun. Anyone using a sunless tanner must also use a sunscreen.
Sun Myths
Myth: Only people with light skin can get sunburn.
Fact: People with pale skin or light hair need to be more careful in the sun because they sunburn more easily compared to people with darker skin. However, most people can sunburn no matter what their skin color is. All people need to take steps to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays.
Myth: A suntan is good for you.
Fact: A "base tan" does not protect you from getting sunburn. In fact, it may increase the chance you'll get sunburn because you may think that you can stay out in the sun longer. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage.
Myth: Only adults can get skin cancer, so putting sunscreen on children is not necessary.
Fact: While most of the people who get skin cancer are older, children, teens, and young adults can get it too. Also, too many sunburns and too much sun exposure over the years can cause not only skin cancer but also skin wrinkles and cataracts of the eye. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer each year.
-
Each year, many young children drown in swimming pools, other bodies of water, and standing water around the home, such as
Bathtubs
Buckets and pails, especially 5-gallon buckets and diaper pails
Ice chests with melted ice
Toilets
Hot tubs, spas, and whirlpools
Irrigation ditches, postholes, and wells
Fishponds and fountains
Children must be watched closely by an adult at all times when in or near water. Children may drown in an inch or 2 of water. Stay within an arm's length of your child.
Other safety activities include
Empty all buckets, pails, and bathtubs completely after each use—do not leave them filled and unattended.
Keep young children out of the bathroom unless they are closely watched. Teach others in the home to keep the bathroom door closed. Install a hook-and-eye latch or doorknob cover on the outside of the door. Always close the toilet lid, and consider using a toilet lid latch.
Never leave a child alone in a bathtub or in the care of another child, even for a moment. Avoid using bath seats or rings. Your baby can slip out of them and be trapped underwater. An adult must be within arm's reach, providing touch supervision at all times.
Use a rigid, lockable cover on a hot tub, spa, or whirlpool, or fence in all 4 sides as you would for a swimming pool.
The hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120°F to avoid burns. In many cases, you can adjust your water heater.
Throw away or tightly cover water or chemical mixtures after use.
Watch children closely when they are playing near wells, open postholes, or irrigation or drainage ditches. Fill in empty holes or have fences installed to protect your child.
Learn CPR and know how to get emergency help.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Pediatricians use different tests and tools to help them diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. This handout was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to answer questions about imaging and medical radiation safety.
Q: What is imaging?
A: Imaging tests are used to "see" inside the body. Some types of imaging use ionizing radiation. This includes x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and nuclear medicine (radionuclide) studies. Higher-dose radiation can also be used in therapy, for treatment of cancer, or for treatment of an overactive thyroid gland. See "Types of Imaging" for more information on 3 types of imaging tests.
Q: Why does my child need an imaging test?
A: Sometimes imaging tests are the only tests that can help diagnose certain illnesses. Your child's doctor can then find out the best treatment options, avoid other tests or surgery, and improve your child's health.
Q: Isn't radiation harmful?
A: The amount of radiation used in imaging tests is very low. In fact, no direct harm has been shown from the levels of radiation used in the imaging tests mentioned above.
We are all exposed to small amounts of radiation daily from soil, rocks, air, water, and cosmic radiation. Most people are exposed to more radiation from the environment than from many of these tests.
Q: How safe is imaging?
A: Special steps are taken to make sure your child is exposed to the smallest amount of radiation possible during imaging. The AAP belongs to the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, which follows the following medical radiation safety guidelines:
Imaging is to be used only if there is a definite medical benefit.
Use the lowest amount of radiation possible for the test based on the size of the child.
Imaging only includes the parts of the body that need to be evaluated.
Use other diagnostic studies, like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when possible.
Q: If I still have concerns regarding radiation exposure to my child, whom should I talk with?
A: First talk with the doctor who is ordering the exam. Medical professionals must balance the risks and benefits of performing a study. Your doctor and the radiologist can work together on decisions about which study is best to perform. If your doctor cannot answer your questions, radiologists can provide further information. Also listed at the end of this handout is a list of resources if you would like to find out more information.
For More Information
American College of Radiology
Health Physics Society
Image Gently
National Cancer Institute
RadiologyInfo
About Image Gently
Image Gently ( www.imagegently.org ) is the educational and awareness campaign created by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging that was formed in July 2007. It is a coalition of health care organizations dedicated to providing safe, high-quality pediatric imaging nationwide. The AAP and Society for Pediatric Radiology, as well as more than 37 other societies, are members of this coalition representing more than 500,000 health care professionals in radiology, pediatrics, medical physics, and radiation safety.
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned in this publication. Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.
-
Fires and burns cause almost 4,000 deaths and about 20,000 hospitalizations every year. Winter is an especially dangerous time, as space heaters, fireplaces, and candles get more use in the home. It is no surprise that fires in the home are more common between December and February. However, you might be surprised at how easy it is to reduce the risk of fire in your home. Follow these suggestions to help keep your home and family safe from fire all year round.
Smoke alarms save lives
Half of home fire deaths are due to fires that happen while people are sleeping. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your family against fire is to install smoke alarms and keep them in good working order. You can buy smoke alarms at most home and hardware stores, and they often cost $10 or less. Check with your fire department to see if they give out and install free smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms outside every bedroom or any area where someone sleeps. Also install them in furnace areas. Be sure there is at least 1 alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, or at each end of a mobile home.
Place smoke alarms away from the kitchen and bathroom. False alarms can occur while cooking or even showering.
Test smoke alarms every month by pushing the test button. It is best to use smoke alarms that have long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year, such as when you change your clocks in the fall.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Never paint a smoke alarm.
Clean (dust or vacuum) smoke alarms once a month.
Use smoke alarms equipped with a flashing light and an alarm in homes with children or adults who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Safety around the home
Take a careful look at each room of your home. Use the following checklists and safety tips to reduce the risk of fire:
Do not smoke in your home. If you do, use deep ashtrays and do not smoke in bed.
Make an escape plan. Practice it every 6 months. Every member of the family should know at least 2 exits from each room and where to meet outside. Make sure doors and windows are easy to open to permit easy escape if needed.
Check electrical cords. Replace any electrical cords that are worn, frayed, or damaged. Never overload outlets. Avoid running electrical cords under carpets or furniture because they can overheat and start a fire.
Consider installing an automatic home fire sprinkler system. They are now practical for many homes.
Ask your local fire department to make sure woodstoves in your home are safely vented. They usually cannot be installed safely in mobile homes.
Avoid using kerosene heaters and electric space heaters. If electric space heaters must be used, keep them away from clothing, bedding, and curtains, and unplug them at night. Kerosene heaters give off carbon monoxide and should not be used in enclosed spaces, such as inside your home.
Bedrooms
Check the labels of your child's pajamas. Children should always wear flame-retardant and/or close- fitting sleepwear.
If a bedroom is on an upper floor, make sure there is a safe way to reach the ground, such as an escape ladder that will not burn.
Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy or have been drinking. Tobacco and smoking products, matches, and lighters are the most common cause of fatal fires in the home.
Living and family rooms
Make sure all matches, lighters, and ashtrays are out of your child's sight and reach. Better yet, keep them in a locked cabinet.
Use large, deep ashtrays that won't tip over, and empty them often. Fill ashtrays with water before dumping ashes in the wastebasket.
Give space heaters plenty of space. Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that might burn, like clothes, curtains, and furniture. Always turn space heaters off and unplug them when you go to bed or leave the home.
Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year.
Use a metal screen or glass doors in front of the fireplace.
Never leave a room unattended when candles, heaters, or fireplaces are in use.
Kitchen
Keep your stove and oven clean and free of anything that could catch fire. Do not place pot holders, curtains, or towels near the burners.
Install a portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen, high on a wall, and near an exit. (Choose a multipurpose, dry chemical extinguisher.) Adults should know how to use it properly when the fire is small and contained, such as in a trash can. Call your fire department for information on how to use fire extinguishers.
Never leave cooking food unattended.
Never pour water on a grease fire.
If a fire starts in your oven, keep the oven door closed, turn off the oven, and call the fire department.
Garage, storage area, and basement
Have your furnace inspected at least once a year.
Do not store anything near a heater or furnace. Keep the area free of clutter.
Clean your dryer's lint filter after every use. Lint buildup can start a fire.
Check to make sure paint and other flammable liquids are stored in their original containers, with tight-fitting lids. Store them in a locked cabinet if possible, out of your child's reach, and away from appliances, heaters, pilot lights, and other sources of heat or flame.
Never use flammable liquids near a gas water heater.
Store gasoline, propane, and kerosene outside the home in a shed or detached garage. Keep them tightly sealed and labeled in approved safety containers.
Gasoline should be used only as a motor fuel, never as a cleaning agent.
Never smoke near flammable liquids.
Outdoors
Move barbecue grills away from trees, bushes, shrubs, or anything that could catch fire. Never use grills indoors, on a porch, or on a balcony.
Place a barrier around open fires, fire pits, or campfires. Never leave a child alone around the fire. Always be sure to put the fire out completely before leaving or going to sleep.
Create a "fire break" around your home. Make sure woodpiles, dead leaves, pine needles, and debris are removed or kept as far away from the home as possible.
Do not start lawnmowers, snow blowers, or motorcycles near gasoline fumes. Let motors cool off before adding fuel.
Be very careful with barbecue grills. Never use gasoline to start the fire. Do not add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.
Know what to do in a fire
Test any closed doors with the back of your hand for heat. Do not open the door if you feel heat or see smoke. Close all doors as you leave each room to keep the fire from spreading.
Crawl low under smoke. Choose the safest exit. If you must escape through a smoky area, remember that cleaner air is always near the floor. Teach your child to crawl on her hands and knees, keeping her head less than 2 feet above the floor, as she makes her way to the nearest exit.
Don't stop. Don't go back. In case of fire, do not try to rescue pets or possessions. Once you are out, do not go back in for any reason. Firefighters have the best chance of rescuing people who are trapped. Let firefighters know right away if anyone is missing.
If you get trapped by smoke or flames, close all doors. Stuff towels or clothing under the doors to keep out smoke. Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to protect your lungs. If there is no phone in the room, wait at a window and signal for help with a light-colored cloth or flashlight.
Stop, drop, and roll! Cool and call. Make sure your child knows what to do if her clothes catch fire.
Stop!— Do not run.
Drop!— Drop to the ground right where you are.
Roll!— Roll over and over to put out the flames. Cover your face with your hands.
Cool— Cool the burned area with water.
Call— Call for help.
Fire drills—be prepared!
Even young children (3 and older) can begin to learn what to do in case of a fire.
Install at least 1 smoke alarm on every level of your home.
Have an escape plan and practice it with your family. This will help you and your family reach safety when it counts. When a fire occurs, there will be no time for planning an escape.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Discuss with your family 2 ways to exit every room. Make sure everyone knows how to get out and that doors and windows can be easily opened to permit escape. If you live in an apartment building, never use an elevator during a fire. Use the stairs!
Agree on a meeting place. Choose a spot outside your home near a tree, street corner or fence where everyone can meet after escaping. Teach your children that the sound of a smoke alarm means to go outside right away to the chosen place.
Know how to call the fire department. The fire department should be called from outside using a portable phone or from a neighbor's home. Whether the number is 911 or a regular phone number, everyone in the family should know it by heart. Make sure your children know your home address too. Teach your children that firefighters are friends and never to hide from them.
Practice, practice, practice. Practice your exit drill at least twice a year. Remember that fire drills are not a race. Get out quickly, but calmly and carefully. Try practicing realistic situations. Pretend that some exits or doorways are blocked or that the lights are out. The more prepared your family is, the better your chances of surviving a fire.
Note: Parents of very young children or children with special needs should have a safety plan that fits their child's needs and abilities. For example, a child who is hard of hearing or deaf may need a smoke alarm with a flashing strobe-light feature. Parents with children younger than 5 years must plan on an adult rescuing them in the case of a house fire; they are too young to be able to reliably rescue themselves.
Fire and children
A child's curiosity about fire is natural and in most cases is no cause for concern. However, when a child begins to use fire as a weapon, it can be very dangerous. If you suspect that your child is setting even very small fires, address the problem right away. Talk with your pediatrician, who can suggest ways to help.
Use the following tips when talking with your child about preventing fires:
Teach your child that matches and lighters are tools for grown-ups only.
Older children should be taught to use fire properly, and only with an adult present.
For your sitters
When you are away from home and someone else cares for your children, make sure that your children and the sitter will be just as safe as when you are there.
Let your sitter know about your family's escape plan.
Remind sitters never to leave the children alone.
Remind sitters that you do not allow smoking in or around your home.
Leave emergency information near the phone. Include the local fire department phone number, your full home address and phone number, and a neighbor's name and phone number.
Burn prevention
Most burn injuries happen in the home. For a young child, many places in the home can be dangerous. Hot bathwater, radiators, and even food that is too hot can cause burns. The following are tips to help prevent your child from getting burned:
Keep matches, lighters, and ashtrays out of the reach of children.
Cover all unused electrical outlets with plastic plugs or other types of outlet covers.
Do not allow your child to play close to fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters.
Replace all frayed, broken, or worn electrical cords.
Never leave barbecue grills unattended.
Teach your children that irons, curling irons, grills, radiators, and ovens can get very hot and are dangerous to touch or play near. Never leave these items unattended. Unplug and put away all appliances after using them.
Keep electrical cords from hanging down where children can pull on them or chew on them. Mouth burns can result from chewing on a live extension cord or on a poorly insulated wire.
Kitchen concerns
Never leave a child alone in the kitchen when food is cooking.
Enforce a "kid-free" zone at least 3 feet around the oven or stove while you are cooking. Use a playpen, high chair, or other stationary device to keep your child from getting too close.
Never leave a hot oven door open.
Use back burners if possible. When using front burners, turn pot handles rearward. Never let them stick out where a child could grab them.
Do not leave spoons or other utensils in pots while cooking.
Turn off burners and ovens when they are not being used.
Do not use wet pot holders because they may cause steam burns.
Carefully place (not toss) wet foods into a deep fryer or frying pan containing grease. The reaction between hot oil and water causes splatter.
Remove pot lids carefully to avoid being burned by steam. Remember, steam is hotter than boiling water.
In case of a small pan fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, turn off the burner, and wait for the pan to cool completely.
Never carry your child and hot liquids at the same time.
Never leave hot liquid, like a cup of coffee, where children can reach it. Don't forget that a child can get burned from hot liquids by pulling on hanging tablecloths.
Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking to reduce the risk of your clothes catching on fire.
In microwave ovens, use only containers that are made for microwaves. Test microwaved food for heat and steam before giving it to your child. (Never warm a bottle of milk or formula in the microwave oven. It can heat the liquid unevenly and burn your child.)
Avoid letting appliance cords hang over the sides of countertops, where children could pull on them.
Do not use mobile baby walkers. They allow your child to move quickly before he knows how to use this mobility safely. It may allow him to gain access to hot liquids, appliance cords, and hot surfaces.
Hot water
The hottest water temperature at the faucet should be no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding. In many cases, you can adjust your water heater to prevent exceeding this temperature.
When using tap water, always turn on the cold water first, then add hot. When finished, turn off the hot water first.
Test the temperature of bathwater with your forearm or the back of your hand before placing your child in the water.
Use a cool-mist vaporizer instead of a hot-water vaporizer. Hot-water vaporizers can cause steam burns or can spill on your child.
Never leave children alone in the bathroom for any reason. They are at risk of burns and drowning.
Different degrees of burns
Following are the 4 different levels of burns and the symptoms of each:
1st degree burns are minor and heal quickly. Symptoms are redness, tenderness, and soreness (like most sunburns).
2nd degree burns are serious injuries. First aid and medical treatment should be given as soon as possible. Symptoms are blistering (like a severe sunburn), pain, and swelling.
3rd degree burns (also called full-thickness burns) are severe injuries. Medical treatment is needed right away. Symptoms are white, brown, or charred tissue often surrounded by blistered areas. There may be little or no pain at first.
4th degree burns are severe injuries that involve skin, muscle, and bone. These often occur with electrical burns and may be more severe than they appear. They may cause serious complications and should be treated by a doctor right away.
Call your pediatrician if your child suffers anything more than a minor burn. ALL electrical burns and any burn on the hand, foot, face, genitals, or over a joint worse than 1st degree should receive medical attention right away.
First aid for burns
For severe burns, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Until help arrives, follow these steps.
1. Cool the burn.
For 1st and 2nd degree burns, cool the burned area with cool running water for a few minutes. This helps stop the burning process, numbs the pain, and prevents or reduces swelling. Do not use ice on a burn. It may delay healing. Also, do not rub a burn; it can increase blistering.
For 3rd degree burns, cool the burn with wet, sterile dressings until help arrives.
2. Remove burned clothing.
Lay the person flat on her back and take off the burned clothing that isn't stuck to the skin. Remove any jewelry or tight-fitting clothing from around the burned area before swelling begins. If possible, elevate the injured area.
3. Cover the burn.
After the burn has cooled, cover it loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth. Do not break any blisters. This could allow bacteria into the wound.
Never put grease (including butter or medical ointments) on the burn. Grease holds in heat, which may make the burn worse. It also makes the burn harder to examine by medical personnel later.
4. Keep the child from losing body heat.
Keep the person's body temperature normal. Cover unburned areas with a dry blanket.
-
Lead in the body can affect child development and behavior. Lead is a metal that is found in a lot of places. Although you can't usually see lead, you can do things to prevent your child from being exposed to it. No safe level of lead has been identified for children. Children have the most risk factors because they often put their hands and objects into their mouths and their growing bodies tend to easily absorb what they eat. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand how lead can be harmful, where it may be found, and what they can do to keep their children safe.
How Lead Is Harmful
Lead can interfere with typical growth and development and affect almost every system of the body, including the brain.
Some children show learning and behavior problems. These may be seen first during the preschool years or later.
Physical symptoms may include stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of weakness. Very high levels of lead in the body may cause seizures, coma, and death.
Note: Because most children with lead in their blood show no symptoms, lead screenings are important.
Where Lead Can Be Found
Homes and buildings. Lead was added to indoor and outdoor paint until 1978. When lead-based paint surfaces rub together (like when a window is opened or a door is closed) or when paint begins to peel or chip, the lead can get into the dust and dirt in and around the home.
Hobby materials (stained glass, paints, solders, fishing weights, and buckshot).
Home remedies (azarcon and greta, which are used for upset stomach or indigestion; pay-loo-ah, which is used for rash or fever).
Workplaces (foundries, smelteries, battery recycling plants, and auto repair shops).
Food bowls painted with lead glazes, especially if made in another country or old.
Sometimes in products like toys, jewelry, or furniture, especially if made in another country.
Water that has been in contact with lead pipes, lead solder, or older plumbing fixtures, especially hot water pipes because hot water absorbs lead more quickly than cold water.
What You Can Do
Test your home for lead. If your home was built before 1978, talk with your local health department about getting your home tested for lead. If you don't know how old your home is, assume there is lead. In the United States, lead is in paint in 87% of homes built before 1940, 69% of homes built from 1940 to 1959, and 24% of homes built from 1960 to 1977. Homes in the Northeast and Midwest are most likely to have lead in paint. Ask the landlord (property owner) about lead before you sign a lease. Before you buy a home, have it inspected for lead.
Before any work is done on your home, learn about safe ways to make repairs. When repairs are being made, seal off the area until the job is done and keep your child away until everything is cleaned up. Be sure to use a certified contractor. Removing lead paint on your own can often make the condition worse. If work is not done safely, you and your child can be harmed by increased exposure to lead in dust.
Keep your children away from old windows, old porches, and areas with chipping or peeling paint. If this paint is in your home, cover it with duct tape or contact paper until it can be completely removed. If you rent your home, let your landlord know about any peeling or chipping paint. A landlord is legally required to repair lead problems found on their property.
Do not allow your child to play in the dirt next to your old home. Plant grass over bare soil, or use mulch or wood chips.
Clean your home regularly. Wipe down floors and other level surfaces with a damp mop or sponge. Taking shoes off at the door can help reduce tracking in dirt.
Teach your children to wash their hands, especially before eating. Wash pacifiers and toys regularly.
Keep clean. If your work or hobbies involve lead, change your clothes and shoes and shower when finished. Keep your clothes at work, or wash your work clothes as soon as possible.
Use cold flushed tap water for mixing baby formula, drinking, or cooking. If you are in an older home, run the water for several minutes before using it in the morning and start with cold water for drinking or cooking.
Eat healthy. Give your child a well-balanced diet that includes breakfast and food high in calcium and iron. A good diet can help your child absorb less lead.
Treatment of Lead Poisoning
The first action is to identify the source of exposure to lead and prevent further exposure. Some children with high levels of lead in their blood need to take a medicine that helps their body get rid of it faster. If your child's lead level is too high, it can take months to years for it to come down; close follow-up is needed. Children with development or behavior problems should be evaluated and, if needed, receive services to help them improve.
Lead Screening
The only way to know whether your child has been exposed to lead is with a blood test. Screening tests for lead usually include blood taken from the finger, but when doctors suspect lead poisoning, it is more accurate for these tests to include blood taken from a vein in the arm. The test measures the amount of lead in the blood. If you think that your child has been exposed to lead, talk with your child's doctor about getting a blood test to check for lead.
-
Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand the difference between a head injury that needs only a comforting hug and one that requires immediate medical attention.
The information in this publication is intended for children who
Were well before the injury
Act normally after the injury
Have no cuts on the head or face (this is called a closed head injury )
Have no other injuries to the body
The information in this publication is not intended for children who
Are younger than 2 years
Have possible neck injuries
Already have nervous system problems, such as seizures or movement disorders
Have difficulties or delays in their development
Have bleeding disorders or bruise easily
Are victims of child abuse
Children with these conditions may have more serious problems after a mild head injury.
Q: What should I do if my child has a head injury but does not lose consciousness?
A: For anything more than a light bump on the head, you should call your child's doctor. Your child's doctor will want to know when and how the injury happened and how your child is feeling.
If your child is alert and responds to you, the head injury is probably mild and usually no tests or x-rays are needed. Your child may cry from pain or fright, but this should last no longer than 10 minutes. You may need to apply a cold compress for 20 minutes to help the swelling go down and then watch your child closely for a time.
Q: What if there are changes in my child's condition?
A: If there are any changes in your child's condition, call your child's doctor right away. You may need to bring your child to the doctor's office or directly to the hospital. The following are signs of a more serious injury:
A constant headache, particularly one that gets worse
Slurred speech or confusion
Dizziness that does not go away or happens repeatedly
Extreme irritability or other abnormal behavior
Vomiting more than 2 or 3 times
Stumbling or difficulty walking
Oozing blood or watery fluid from the nose or ears
Difficulty waking up or excessive sleepiness
Unequal size of the pupils (the dark center part of the eyes)
Double vision or blurry vision
Unusual paleness that lasts for more than an hour
Convulsions (seizures)
Difficulty recognizing familiar people
Weakness of arms or legs
Persistent ringing in the ears
Q: What if my child loses consciousness?
A: If your child loses consciousness, call 911. Special tests may need to be done as soon as possible to find out how serious the injury is. If the test results are normal, you will need to watch your child closely for a time. Your child's doctor will let you know if this can be done at home or in the hospital. If you take your child home and her condition changes, call your child's doctor right away because more care may be needed.
Q: What kinds of tests may be needed? Where are they done?
A: A CT (computed tomography) scan is a special type of x-ray that gives a view of the brain and the skull. It is painless. A CT scan is available at almost every hospital.
Q: What is the difference between a head x-ray and CT scan?
A: Head x-rays can show fractures (bone breaks) of the skull, but do not show if there is a brain injury. CT scans can show brain injury and may be helpful in deciding the seriousness of the injury. They can even show very minor injuries that may not need treatment.
Q: What happens if the CT scan or head x-ray shows a problem?
A: More tests will probably be needed, and your child's doctor may want a head injury specialist to examine your child.
Q: What should I do if my child needs to be observed at home?
A: You or another responsible adult should stay with your child for the first 24 hours and be ready to take your child back to the doctor's office or hospital if there is a problem. Your child may need to be watched carefully for a few days because there could be a delay in signs of a more serious injury.
It is OK for your child to go to sleep. However, your child's doctor may recommend that you check your child every 2 to 3 hours to make sure he moves normally, wakes enough to recognize you, and responds to you.
If medicine is prescribed, follow the directions carefully. Do not give pain medicine, except for acetaminophen, unless your child's doctor says it is OK. Your child's doctor will let you know if your child can eat and drink as usual.
Q: What if my child gets worse while being observed at home?
A: If your child gets worse, call 911. Your child's doctor also may talk with a specialist or admit your child to the hospital for closer observation.
Call your child's doctor or return to the hospital if your child experiences any of the following:
Vomits more than 2 or 3 times
Cannot stop crying
Has a worsening headache
Looks sicker
Has a hard time walking, talking, or seeing
Is confused or not acting normally
Becomes more and more drowsy, or is hard to wake up
Seems to have abnormal movements or seizures or any behaviors that worry you
Q: Will my child have any permanent damage from a minor head injury?
A: If your child does well through the observation period, there should be no long-lasting problems. Remember, most head injuries are mild. However, be sure to talk with your child's doctor about any concerns or questions you might have.
-
Pets can be a wonderful addition to a family. However, there are important safety issues you will want to keep in mind as a parent and pet owner.
Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to stay safe and healthy with pets.
How to Help Prepare Your Pet
This section is for dog or cat owners who are expecting a baby.
Before your pet and newborn meet, here are tips to help prepare your pet.
Before baby arrives, play sounds of babies crying or cooing. If you have a motorized swing, turn it on so that your pet gets used to the noises and motion.
Let your pet smell clothing or a blanket with your baby's scent.
Be alert for signs of aggression or jealousy in your pet. Territorial or jealous pets can become aggressive. Do not leave your pet unsupervised near your baby.
If your baby has siblings, they can help by spending extra time with your pet.
Keep your pet out of your baby's sleeping area. Your pet's fur or dander may irritate your baby's breathing passages.
If this is your first child, talk with your veterinarian (who knows your pet and your pet's breed) about how your pet may respond to a new baby in the house.
Questions to Think About Before Getting a Pet
This section is for parents who are considering owning a pet.
Before you select a pet, take time to research what would be the best choice for your family. Pets need to be fed, cleaned up after, and taken to the veterinarian, and some need a lot of attention and exercise.
Bringing a pet into the home will work best if you have carefully selected a pet that fits your family's expectations and lifestyle. Here are questions you may ask when deciding what pet to choose. The first 5 questions are derived from the American Veterinary Medical Association website at www.avma.org.
Do you already have a pet? If yes, your veterinarian can discuss how another pet might fit in with your current pet.
What type of pet do you and your family want? An active dog to go running with? A pet that can learn and do tricks? A pet that can cuddle on the couch with you? Do you have a specific size or breed in mind?
Learn as much as you can about how the breed interacts with children and people. For instance, while any dog can bite, specific dog characteristics, such as size, strength, and breed, can pose different risks.Some breeds are known to cause frequent or severe biting injuries. Also, having more than one dog, or unneutered male dogs, increases the risk of dog bites.
Wild animals should not be kept as pets. A home environment does not provide for the needs of a wild animal. Leave wild animals wild!
How much time and space do you have? Some pets need lots of attention to be healthy, and if no one is home for long periods of time, these pets will not receive that attention. Some pets need a lot of space to run and play. Bringing them into a small apartment can cause them stress and lead to behavioral problems. Also, some apartments limit the size of animal allowed. Find out the needs of the pet and the rules where you live so that you can choose a pet that will be a good fit and happy in your home.
Are you ready for the responsibility? Pet care should not be the responsibility of a child, although children can participate in the care of a pet. Pet care is an adult responsibility. For example, you will need to
Plan for daily care that includes not just feeding but attention and exercise.
Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian. Your pets may need deworming medications, flea control, shots, and tooth care. A healthy pet is less likely to pass on infections to people.
Think about obedience training if you have a dog. The training is helpful in teaching dogs to understand what you expect and in teaching you and your child how to understand dog behavior.
Do you have money in your budget to care for a pet? Find out ahead of time about how much care will cost. You will need to pay for food, pet toys and accessories, regular and emergency veterinarian visits, and, when you're on vacation, pet care. Some breeds of pets have special needs and may need special food or grooming.
Is your child developmentally ready for a pet? Keep in mind that younger children may not know how to properly handle a pet. They may poke or pull at a pet (treat it like a toy), and that pet may bite back in defense. In general, by age 5 or 6 years, children are old enough to know how to handle, respect, and care for a pet.
Does anyone in the house have allergies? Dander from pets can trigger symptoms of eczema, hay fever, or asthma. Before getting a pet, talk with your family doctors.
Does anyone in the house have an immune disorder? Animals carry germs. People with immune system problems can get sick more easily than other people from pets. Before getting a pet, talk with your family doctors.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs, and of the 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites, at least half are children.
Children are, by far, the most common age-group injured by dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured, particularly in the head and neck. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while they interact with familiar dogs, such as the family dog or a friend's dog. Remember, because most dog bites involve familiar animals, prevention starts in your home.
Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs requires medical attention. For children, the injuries are more likely to be serious because most injuries occur in the head, face, or neck. Parents should be aware of simple steps that can prevent dog bites. Here are some tips from the official AAP website for parents, HealthyChildren.org.
Never leave a small child and a dog alone together, no matter if it is the family dog, a dog known to you, or a dog that you have been assured is wellbehaved. Any dog can bite.
Do not allow your child to play aggressive games with a dog, such as tug-of-war or wrestling, as these can lead to bites.
Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before she pets any dog.
Let a dog sniff you before petting it, and stay away from the face or tail. Pet the dog gently, and avoid eye contact, particularly at first. Have your child do the same.
Never bother a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Dogs in these situations are more likely to respond aggressively, even with a person who is familiar to them. Have your child do the same.
Teach your child to move calmly and slowly around dogs.
Teach your child that if a dog is behaving in a threatening manner—for example, growling and barking—to remain calm, avoid eye contact with the dog, and back away slowly until the dog loses interest and leaves.
If you are knocked over by a dog, curl up in a ball and protect your eyes and face with arms and fists. Have your child do the same.
-
A swimming pool can be very dangerous for children. If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard while you have young children. Help protect your children from drowning by doing the following:
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
Practice touch supervision with children younger than 5 years and with children of any age who are not strong swimmers. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times.
You must put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool when they are not expected to be swimming. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all 4 sides of the pool. This fence must completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life jackets.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
Pool alarms and rigid safety covers that meet the standards of ASTM International may add to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between your house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a rigid safety cover will not prevent all drownings.
While swim skills are an additional layer of prevention, remember that teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water. Additional safety measures are necessary when your child is near the pool and when it is not swim time.
-
Children Can Get Very Sick if They Are Poisoned, and Children Aged 1 to 3 Years Are at Highest Risk
Young children may put anything in their mouths. This is part of learning. Many household products can be poisonous if swallowed, if in contact with the skin or eyes, or if inhaled.
Common Examples
MEDICINES: Vitamins with iron, cough and cold medicine, allergy and asthma medicine, and pain and fever medicine
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS: Cleaning products, mothballs, furniture polish, drain cleaners, weed killers, insect or rat poisons, lye, paint thinners, laundry or dishwasher detergent, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, kerosene, and lamp oil
Safety Rules
Keep harmful products locked up and out of your child's sight and reach.
Use safety latches or locks on drawers and cabinets where you keep dangerous items.
Take extra care during stressful times and when you are away from home.
Call medicine by its correct name. You do not want to confuse the child by calling medicine "candy."
Always replace the safety caps immediately after use.
Never leave alcohol within a child's reach.
Seek help if your child swallows a substance that is not food. Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or your doctor. Do not make your child vomit.
Keep the following telephone numbers by your phone:
POISON HELP: 1-800-222-1222
DOCTOR: ______________________________
EMERGENCY (usually 911): ____________
Keep products in their original containers. Never put nonfood products in food or drink containers.
Read labels with care before using any product.
Teach children not to drink or eat anything unless it is given by an adult.
Do not take medicine in front of small children. Children tend to copy adult behavior.
Check your home often for old medications and get rid of them by disposing of them properly. Many communities have a locked drop box for old or unneeded medications. You can search for a drop box at https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch. If no drop box is available in your area, mix medications with something unappealing like old coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal it in a plastic bag, and put it in the trash. Only flush medications if you have no other choice.
Get rid of substances used for old-fashioned treatments such as oil of wintergreen, boric acid, ammoniated mercury, oil of turpentine, and camphorated oil.
There is more of a danger of poisoning when you are away from home, especially at a grandparent's home. Check carefully for dangerous substances that may be within reach in the house or in purses.
-
TV Violence Needs to be Taken Seriously
TV violence can, and does, lead to real-life violence.
You can reduce your child's exposure to TV violence.
Limit TV use to no more than 1 or 2 hours per day.
T elevision teaches children the wrong things about violence. Adults know that real violence causes pain and sadness. But TV violence is often painless and sometimes funny.
FACT: By watching 3 to 4 hours of noneducational TV per day, children will have seen about 8,000 murders on TV by the time they finish elementary school!
FACT: TV characters often try to use violence to solve problems. Children need to learn how to solve problems in a nonviolent way.
FACT: Young children think cartoons are real, and many cartoons use larger-than-life violence just to keep children's interest.
Just like children learn from fathers and mothers, and sisters and brothers, they also learn both good and bad habits from TV characters. Some children learn to:
Fight by watching TV violence.
Become victims.
Encourage friends to fight since it's fun to watch.
What you can do
Set limits.
Limit your child's use of the TV to no more than 1 or 2 hours per day. This includes TV shows, movies, and video games played on the TV or computer. Instead of using the TV as a babysitter, try finding other activities for your child.
Know what your child is watching.
Help your child choose programs and video games that are less violent.
Don't put a TV in your child's room.
You won't know what programs your child is watching or how much time is spent in front of the TV.
Use the V-chip on your new TV.
This device lets you identify and stop programs with violence, sexual content, or other material not suitable for your child. For more information about the V-chip, call 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322/voice) or 888-TELL-FCC (888-835-5322/TTY) or visit www.fcc.gov/vchip .
Watch programs with your child.
If a program contains violence, talk about it with your child and ask these questions:
Is this real or pretend?
Is this the way to solve a problem?
What would happen if you did that?
Tell your child how you feel.
Real violence is painful and makes people sad and angry.
When you're watching a program that has violence, don't allow your child to watch it with you. If you want or need more help making decisions about your child and TV, please ask your pediatrician.
-
You are your children's role model. Wear your seat belt on every trip in the car. If you drive without a seat belt, your children will likely copy your actions. The lap/shoulder belt is also your best protection in the event of a crash.
For a proper seat belt fit, the lap belt should be worn low and flat across the hips, and the shoulder belt should be worn across the shoulder, never behind the back or under the arm. Teach older children to wear their lap/shoulder belts properly.
On every trip, no matter how short, make sure that children ride buckled up. Infants and children should be fastened in a properly installed car safety seat. Older children should ride in booster seats with a lap/shoulder seat belt until the seat belt fits correctly (usually at about 4 feet 9 inches tall or 8-12 years old).
NEVER put a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag.
Car safety seats should be placed in the back seat because it is the safest place to ride. Infants and toddlers should ride rear facing as long as possible, and children should use car safety seats or booster seats as long as possible, until they reach the weight or height limit set by the manufacturer.
The rear section of a station wagon or the back of a pickup truck is the cargo area. No one should ride in a cargo area.
People thrown from vehicles are 25 times more likely to die. Proper use of car safety seats, booster seats, and seat belts helps prevent this danger in a crash or hard stop.
Take care to drive safely at all times as a good example for your children.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
-
Some parents may not be comfortable talking with their children about sex and sexuality. However, if children aren't getting the facts about sex and sexuality from their parents, they could be getting incorrect information from their friends or the media. Media rarely show responsible sexual behavior or offer correct information about abstinence, sexual intercourse, birth control, or the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents talk with their children about sex and sexuality.
Parents Are the Best Teachers
Talking about sex and sexuality gives you a chance to share your values and beliefs with your children. Your children need to know there is always a reliable, honest source they can turn to for answers—you. You can teach your children about relationships, love, commitment, and respect. When your children feel loved and respected by you, they are more likely to turn to you for answers and advice.
Teachable Moments
You can find teachable moments in everyday events. For example, talk about body parts and what's "private" during bath time. A pregnancy or birth in the family is a good time to discuss how babies are conceived and born. Watching TV with your children may also be a good time to discuss an on-screen relationship.
Use these teachable moments when they happen. Start by asking what your children already know. Let them guide the talk and ask questions. Let them know you're comfortable answering, so they feel comfortable asking.
General Talking Tips
When your children begin to ask questions, keep the following tips in mind:
Talk openly, and let your children know they can ask you about anything.
Try not to laugh, even if the question is cute. Your children might feel ashamed if you laugh.
Try not to appear overly embarrassed or serious about the matter.
Answer in simple, age-appropriate terms. Answer the question, but don't go on to add unnecessary details.
Use proper names for all body parts.
See if your children want or need to know more. Follow up your answers by asking, "Does that answer your question?"
Listen to your children's responses and reactions.
Be prepared to repeat yourself.
If you are uneasy talking about sex or answering certain questions, be honest about that too. You may want to ask a relative, a close family friend, or your children's doctor to help explain things.
Talking With Preschool and School-aged Children
The questions your children ask and your answers will depend on each child's age and ability to understand. Here are common questions and issues for different age groups.
Preschool children
"How did I get in your tummy?"
"Where was I before I got in your tummy?"
"How did I get out?"
"Where do babies come from?"
"How come girls don't have a penis?"
18 months to 3 years of age—Children in this age group begin to learn about their own body. It is important to teach your children the proper names for body parts. Making up names for body parts may give the idea that there is something bad about the proper name. Also, teach your children which parts are private (parts covered by a bathing suit).
4 to 5 years of age—Children in this age group may begin to show an interest in basic sexuality. It's normal for children to touch their own genitals (private parts) or to be curious about what other people's genitals look like. Children may also engage in sexual play, like pulling their pants down or pulling other children's pants down to reveal their genitals. However, children need to learn that
It's not appropriate to show their genitals in public.
It's not appropriate to touch anyone else's genitals.
No other person, including even close friends and relatives, may touch their genitals. The exceptions are doctors and nurses during physical exams with the parent's permission and parents when they are trying to find the cause of any pain in the genital area.
By the time children are school aged, they should know the following:
Proper names and functions of body parts (including the womb or uterus where a baby grows—not "mom's tummy")
Physical differences between people with male and female body parts
School-aged children
"Who can have a baby?"
"Why do some people get erections?"
"What is a period?"
"How do people have sexual intercourse?"
"Why do some kids have 2 mommies or 2 daddies?"
5 to 7 years of age—Children in this age group may become interested in what takes place sexually between adults. Their questions will become more complex as they try to understand the connection between sexuality and making babies. They may come up with their own explanations about how the body works or where babies come from. They may also turn to their friends for answers. Lessons and values they learn about healthy sexual relations at this age will stay with them as adults.
8 to 9 years of age—Children in this age group may become interested in learning more about relationships. For example, they may become interested in how their parents met and fell in love. As questions about romance, love, and marriage arise, they may ask questions about different types of relationships, including homosexual relationships. Use this time to discuss your family's thoughts about relationships . At this age, children will be going through many changes that will prepare them for puberty. Teaching your children to be sexually responsible is one of the most important lessons.
As children approach puberty, they should know about
The body parts related to sex and their functions
How babies are conceived and born
Puberty and how the body will change
Menstruation (All children can benefit from this information.)
Sexual intercourse
Birth control
STIs, how they are spread, and how to protect themselves
Masturbation
Homosexuality
Family and personal guidelines
Gender identity
About Masturbation
Up to the age of 5 or 6 years, masturbation is quite common. Around age 6, children become more socially aware and may feel embarrassed about touching themselves in public. Make sure your children understand that masturbation is a private activity, not a public one. Masturbation in private may continue and is normal.
There are times when frequent masturbation can point to a problem. It could be a sign that a child is under a lot of stress. In rare cases, it could even be a sign of sexual abuse. If masturbation becomes a problem, talk with your children's doctor.
Visit HealthyChildren.org for more information.
-
Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries!
At age 6, your child will become more independent. They will be able to do more things that are dangerous. Your child will try to prove that they are grown up. But children still aren't good at judging sound, distance, or the speed of a moving car at this age. Your child can learn a few simple things to do for protection, but you must still be in charge of their safety.
Fire Safety
Make an escape plan in case of fire in your home. Your fire department can tell you how. Teach your child what to do when the smoke alarm rings. Practice what you and your child would do if you had a fire.
Do not smoke in your home. Many home fires are caused by a lit cigarette that has not been put out completely.
Install smoke alarms on every level in your house, especially in furnace and sleeping areas, and test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries once a year.
Firearm Hazards
Children in homes where guns are present are in more danger of being shot by themselves, their friends, or family members than of being injured by an intruder. Even if your child is taught never to touch a gun, if there is a gun in the house a child's curiosity can lead to severe injury or death. It is best to keep all guns out of the home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you keep a gun, keep it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Ask if the homes where your child visits or is cared for have guns and how they are stored.
Bike Safety
Protect your child from bad head injuries or even death. Make sure your child wears a properly fitted, approved helmet every time they ride a bike. Never let your child ride in the street. Your child is too young to ride in the street safely!
Street Safety
Never let your child play near the street. Your child may dart out into traffic without thinking. The park or playground is the best place to play. Begin to teach your child safe street habits. Teach your child to stop at the curb, then look to the left, to the right, and back to the left again. Teach your child never to cross the street without a grown-up.
Water Safety
Now is the time to teach your child to swim. Even if your child knows how to swim, never let them swim alone. Teach your child how to turn upright, float, tread water, and get to safety.
Do not let your child play around any water (lake, stream, pool, or ocean) unless an adult is watching. The adult must be supervising closely and continuously without distractions like reading or using a phone. Never let your child swim in canals or any fast-moving water.
Teach your child to never dive into water unless an adult has checked the depth of the water. And when your child is on any boat, be sure your child is wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
And Remember Car Safety
Your child must use a car safety seat or booster seat in the car. Always check to be sure they are correctly buckled up before you start the car. Your child should use a car safety seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limit, then a booster seat until the lap belt can be worn low and flat on the hips and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and the shoulder rather than the face or neck (usually at about 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years of age). The safest place for all children, even through school age, is in the back seat of the car. Set a good example. Make sure you and other adults buckle up too!
Disclaimer
The AAP is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
-
Did you know that hundreds of children younger than 1 year die every year in the United States because of injuries—most of which could be prevented?
Often, injuries happen because parents are not aware of what their children can do. Children learn quickly, and before you know it, your child will be wiggling off a bed or reaching for your cup of hot coffee.
Car Injuries
Car crashes are a great threat to your child's life and health. Most injuries and deaths from car crashes can be prevented by the use of car safety seats. Your child, besides being much safer in a car safety seat, will be more comfortable and content, so you can pay attention to your driving. Make your newborn's first ride home from the hospital a safe one—in a car safety seat. Your infant should ride in the back seat in a rear-facing car safety seat.
Make certain that your baby's car safety seat is installed correctly. Read and follow the instructions that come with the car safety seat and the sections in the owners' manual of your car on using car safety seats correctly. Use the car safety seat EVERY time your child is in the car.
NEVER put an infant in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag.
Falls
Babies wiggle and move and push against things with their feet soon after they are born. Even these very first movements can result in a fall. As your baby grows and is able to roll over, they may fall off of things unless protected. Do not leave your baby alone on changing tables, beds, sofas, or chairs. Put your baby in a safe place such as a crib or playpen when you cannot hold them.
Your baby may be able to crawl as early as 6 months. Use gates on stairways and close doors to keep your baby out of rooms where they might get hurt. Install operable window guards on all windows above the first floor.
Do not use a baby walker. Your baby may tip the walker over, fall out of it, or fall down stairs and seriously injure their head. Baby walkers let children get to places where they can pull heavy objects or hot food on themselves. A better choice is a stationary activity center with no wheels.
If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor.
Burns
At 3 to 5 months, babies will wave their fists and grab at things. NEVER carry your baby and hot liquids, such as coffee, or foods at the same time. You can't handle both. Your baby can get burned! To protect your child from tap water scalds, the hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120 °F (48.9 °C). In many cases you can adjust your water heater.
If your baby gets burned, immediately put the burned area in cold water. Keep the burned area in cold water for a few minutes to cool it off. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage or clean cloth and call your doctor.
To protect your baby from house fires, be sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially in furnace and sleeping areas. Test the alarms every month. It is best to use smoke alarms that use long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year.
Choking and Suffocation
Babies explore their environment by putting anything and everything into their mouths. NEVER leave small objects in your baby's reach, even for a moment. If you start transitioning to solid food, NEVER feed your baby hard pieces of food such as chunks of raw carrots, apples, hot dogs, grapes, peanuts, and popcorn. Cut all the foods you feed your baby into thin pieces to prevent choking. Be prepared if your baby starts to choke. Ask your doctor to recommend the steps you need to know. Learn how to save the life of a choking child.
To prevent possible suffocation and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), your baby should always sleep on their back. Your baby should have their own crib or bassinet with no pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, or loose bedding. NEVER put your baby on a waterbed, beanbag, or anything that is soft enough to cover the face and block air to the nose and mouth.
Plastic wrappers and bags form a tight seal if placed over the mouth and nose and may suffocate your child. Keep them away from your baby.
Disclaimer
The AAP is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
-
Trampolines are popular among children and teens and even among some adults. Though it may be fun to jump and do somersaults on a trampoline, landing wrong can cause serious, permanent injuries. Injuries can occur even when a trampoline has a net and padding and parents are watching. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about common trampoline injuries and how they occur.
Common injuries
Thousands of people are injured on trampolines each year. Most of these injuries happen on home trampolines. Children younger than 6 years are at greatest risk of injury. Common injuries include
Broken bones (Sometimes surgery is needed.)
Concussions and other head injuries
Sprains/strains
Bruises, scrapes, and cuts
Head and neck injuries (which can lead to permanent paralysis or death)
How injuries occur
Most trampoline injuries occur when there is more than one person using a trampoline. Children can get hurt when they
Land wrong while jumping.
Land wrong while flipping and doing somersaults (this should not be allowed because of the risk of head and neck injuries).
Try stunts.
Strike or are struck by another person.
Fall or jump off the trampoline.
Land on the springs or frame.
What you can do to keep your children safe
Don't buy a trampoline for your home! Trampolines may be popular and a fun way to get exercise, but there are safer ways to encourage your children to be physically active, such as playing catch, riding a bike (don't forget a bike helmet), or playing a team sport. The AAP recommends that mini and full-sized trampolines never be used at home, in routine gym classes, or on playgrounds. They should only be used in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving, or other competitive sports. Only one person should be allowed on a trampoline at any given time.
If you choose to have a home trampoline, the AAP recommends the following safety precautions: adult supervision at all times, only one jumper on the trampoline at a time, and no somersaults should be performed. Also, trampolines should have adequate protective padding that is in good condition and appropriately placed. All equipment should be checked often and protective padding, the net enclosure, and any other parts should be repaired or replaced when damaged. Parents should check their homeowner's policy and obtain a rider to cover trampoline-related injuries if not included in the basic policy.
-
The most difficult time for a child to learn a rule is when it has been broken. Instead, try to establish a rule before there is an opportunity to break it. For example, telling a child to stop running by a swimming pool immediately sets up a conflict. An explanation of the rule upon arrival at the pool allows communication of it before the conflict arises. This is not to say that there won't be a discussion of adhering to the rules later!
-
Protecting your Child from Gun Injury
A home is safer without a handgun.
in homes with guns, children are safest if:
Guns are stored unloaded and locked up or with a trigger lock; and
Bullets are stored and locked in another place.
Even if you do not own a gun, you need to make sure that the homes your child visits are safe too.
C hildren love to explore. As they learn new skills, like crawling, walking, climbing, or running, there are more ways of getting into trouble! Much of this trouble will be small. But, if there is a gun in the house, a child's curiosity can lead to severe injury or death.
FACT : Nearly 40% of the homes with children in the United States have a gun.
FACT : Children as young as 3 years may be strong enough to pull the trigger on a handgun.
FACT : Every other day, on average, an American child under age 10 is killed or disabled with a gun.
When it comes to guns, parents can't be too careful!
Parents Need to ASK: Asking Saves Kids
Even if you do not own a gun, ask your neighbors, friends, and family if they do before your child visits their homes.
if they don't, that's one less thing you have to worry about.
if they do, keep your child away from homes where there are guns or where guns are not stored safely.
Sometimes it can be hard for a parent to ask about guns. One mother asks this way, "My child is very curious. Do you have guns or anything dangerous that he might get into?"
Some people may not agree with you, but it's important that you talk with them about your concerns. Here are some tips to make asking about guns easier:
Bring up the topic when you are talking about other health and safety issues such as car seats, seat belts, pets, or allergies.
Share facts about gun safety. You are not judging people, you just want to make sure your child is safe.
Commonly Asked Questions
"With so much violence, isn't it safer for me to have a handgun in my home to protect my family?"
No. In homes with handguns, it is much more likely that the handgun will be used to shoot a family member or friend than in self-defense.
Every year, thousands of Americans are seriously injured or killed when:
A child finds a gun or is showing a friend the gun kept at home and, without meaning to, pulls the trigger.
A depressed teenager or adult becomes suicidal.
An argument between family members gets out of control.
A friend or family member is mistaken for an intruder.
"Can't i just hide my gun and teach my child not to touch it?"
No. Children need better protection from guns.
Exploring and playing are the ways children learn about the world.
Any child's curiosity and urge to discover new things can overcome a parent's warnings. Young children simply do not understand how dangerous guns can be.
Young children are not able to tell the difference between toy guns and real guns.
Many TV shootings do not look dangerous or deadly.
The only safe way to hide a gun is to lock it up.
In one mother's words:
"My brothers admitted as adults that, as children, they would go in my dad's room and take out the gun and play with it."
This family was lucky, but many others are not.