Laundry baskets and cupboards should be examined for objects that children might reach.
Garages and storage rooms can be especially hazardous because they may contain tools, automotive chemicals, pesticides, and heavy equipment.
Access to these areas should be restricted.
Pet food and pet supplies also deserve attention.
Small pieces of dry pet food can create choking risks, while veterinary medications and certain pet products may be harmful if swallowed.
Families should supervise interactions between babies and pets, regardless of how gentle or familiar the animal may seem.
Even a friendly pet can react unpredictably when startled or handled roughly.
Creating a safer home requires thinking beyond the obvious rooms and considering every environment a baby may encounter.
Safety Does Not End at the Front Door
A child's environment extends beyond the nursery and living room.
Cars, relatives' homes, childcare settings, playgrounds, and other public spaces introduce their own risks.
When traveling by car, babies and young children should use an age-appropriate car seat installed according to manufacturer instructions and applicable safety laws.
