Health & Safety Tips
General:
- Change batteries in smoke detectors twice a year.
- Keep cleaning products and medicines in locked cabinets out of your child’s reach. Keep the Poison Control Center number in a handy location: 1-800-876-4766
- Frequently check window guards, safety locks, stair gates, etc.
- Ensure that guns are stored unloaded and locked in cabinets or closets.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke increases a child’s risk of respiratory problems and ear infections.
- Hot water heaters should be set to 120° F or lower to avoid accidental scalding.
- Baby walkers are discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Always wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 15. Remember to reapply!
- Teach stranger safety.
- Closely observe play with pets. Teach children to be careful around unfamiliar dogs, especially when the dog is eating.
- Always supervise near water: tubs, pools, buckets, etc.
- Always wear bike helmets.
Sleep:
- Babies should be put on their backs to sleep.
- Remove all loose blankets and bedding from cribs.
- Babies should sleep in their own protected sleep space.
Vehicle:
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1 to 21.
- Texas law requires a safety seat until 8 years of age or 4’9” inches tall.
- Use a car safety seat on EVERY ride.
- Infant car seats should be in the backseat and face backwards.
- It is now recommended to keep a child rear facing until 2 years of age.
- After 4 years old and 40 pounds, a booster seat may be considered.
- Booster seats are recommended until height of 4′ 9″ is reached.
- Never place a child in the front seat with a passenger air bag.
Car Seat Safety Guide: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
Dental:
- Toothpaste with fluoride should not be used until 2 years of age.
- Begin brushing teeth with water as soon as they appear.
- Do not put a child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup.
- Be sure to drink water with fluoride. Bottled water does not contain fluoride, but tap water does.
Internet:
The first thing to know is that there is no such thing as privacy. Inappropriate sites, online solicitation, cyberbullies and more present serious risk that you should know about. Learn more at the AAP. http://safetynet.aap.org/
Limit all screen time to less than one hour a day.
There should be no screen time under 2 years of age.
