Do you have a new baby and are you wondering how to baby proof your home in the very safest way?  Take a look at the seven steps listed below to find out how to do this so your baby is safe from hazards in your home.

It can be challenging to keep your baby safe but it is a good thing to do—even before bringing the baby home.  Check out these seven steps to making sure your baby is as safe as possible and read as much as possible about baby safety so that you can begin to keep your home safe.

Seven Steps to Baby Proofing

Step 1: Make a checklist of items to do.

Go through each room on your hands and knees with a notebook—writing down those things you think a baby can get into.  Pay special attention to cabinets, drawers, staircases, electrical cords and electrical outlets.

Step 2: Keeping the crib safe.

Keep all fluffy items out of the crib, including fluffy blankets, comforters, stuffed animals and pillows.  Make sure you remove bacteria from the crib by spraying it down with disinfectant.

Step 3: Keep poisons and toxins out of baby’s reach.

Make sure all toxic chemicals and medicines are out of the reach of baby.  Put them up or store them in the garage or in locked cabinets.  Keep over-the-counter and prescription medication in a locked and secure place.

Step 4: Keep disposable diapers and trash away from the baby.

Garbage, including diapers, can cause disease so they should go in a locked cabinet or out in the garage where baby cannot get to them.  Use a special diaper disposal unit that seals each diaper away from baby’s fingers.

Step 5: Use child safety gates.

Use new child safety gates on the top and bottom of all stairs and in front of rooms and areas you don’t want the baby to get into.  This can avoid many potential accidents.

Step 6: Keep Emergency Numbers Handy.

Keep all emergency numbers, including that for Poison Control, in an area where you have access to them at all times.  Don’t forget to include the hospital and doctor’s numbers.

Step 7: Be vigilant about keeping track of baby.

Even the best baby proofing doesn’t prevent all injuries.  Keep an eye out on baby at all times and be prepared to act swiftly if he or she is getting into something they shouldn’t.

What you really need to remember is that keeping baby safe is a matter of baby proofing your home, watching baby at all times and educating the baby to make sure he or she learns what is acceptable or unacceptable to do in the home.  Don’t forget to do your baby proofing from a baby’s level and think like a curious baby when you do this.

More on child proofing your home.

Now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revamped its consumer ratings system for child safety seats. The new rating is a five star system based on the seat’s ability to secure a child, the ease of use and installation, and clear labeling and instruction manuals.

NHTSA found that 7 in 10 car seats are either the wrong size for the child, or otherwise misused. They felt the previous letter grade testing system for rating car seats was too easy. When choosing a child safety seat, remember, a seat that is easy to install and use will be the best for you and your child. You can find ease of use ratings for seats at NHTSA

SEE how to install and use your child safety seat.

Installing safety car seats for newborns and babies ( video by Baby Center)

Install a car safety seat – 4 minute video

The testing does not assess how effective the seat is at protecting a child in a crash. All seats must meet federal safety standards before they can be rated.
Any child car seat always offers greater protection to a child than leaving him unrestrained or holding him on an adult’s lap. NHTSA recommends car seats for children up to 40 lbs and booster seats for children over 40 lbs until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children should ride in the back seat until age 13.

Avoid used car seats. You don’t know if the seat has been recalled or damaged in an accident. Most used seats do not come with manuals, which are essential to ensuring you use the seat correctly. Recall lists can also be found at NHTSA

Look for a convertible seat that has a higher weight limit in the rear-facing position if your baby is less than 1 year and over 20 lbs. Try locking and releasing the buckle in the store. Try changing the length of the straps.

Try the seat in your vehicle. Most safety seats fit better into some vehicles than others. Cars with bucket seats or small rear seats may present problems. Child safety seats with tray restraints cannot be used in some cars with low ceilings. Find a seat that is easy to use for you, and comfortable for your child.

Just as important as finding the right safety seat is installing and using it correctly. Parents who need help installing or adjusting a child car seat can get free hands-on training from a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician through the state or local Safe Kids coalition

Check the Manual

The car seat manual will tell you how to correctly secure the car seat in your vehicle. The manual will also teach you how to angle the seat correctly and where to place the harness for your child’s height and weight.

Kids in Back

The back seat is generally the safest place in a crash. Place car seats in the middle of the back seat to protect against side-impact crashes, but only if the seat belt there can be effectively tightened to prevent slipping. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, it is essential for children 12 and under to ride in back. Active air bags hit children with too much force and can cause serious injury. If you must put a child in front, deactivate the airbag on the passenger side.

About Face

Your infant should ride in a rear facing car seat, preferably in the back seat, until he is on years old and at least 20-22 lbs. Children over age one and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward. Put the belt through the right slot. If your child car seat can be used facing either way, use the correct belt slots for each direction.

Stay Snug

Your car seat should rest as close to the bottom and back of the car seat as possible. When securing it with the seatbelt, shift and adjust the seat until it is snug and moves only a very little. Pull the seat belt as tight as you can and use any locking mechanisms available to keep it in place.

Keep the harness straps snug over your child’s shoulder. It should be tight enough to slip only one finger underneath the straps at your child’s chest. The chest clip should be adjusted to armpit level.

For a complete guide to keeping your kids safe in the car, visit SafeKids.org .

Curious About Walk-Through Baby Safety Gates ?

Each year hundreds of parents are injured by stepping over child safety gates in the home.  Walk through gates are designed to solve that problem.  They usually have an opening mechanism that allows an adult to open them with one hand.  This comes in handy when you are escorting your sleeping baby to bed and is much safer for parents.  In addition to that, if you use babyproofing gates that force you to step over them you will be more tempted to take them down periodically.  As soon as you do…your toddler will be bouncing through doorway and privy to whatever dangers lurk there.

Walk through baby safety gates are perfectly amicable solutions to areas like the kitchen, bathroom or top of stairs.  When you go to purchase one make sure that the mechanism works easily for you.  It also may be a good idea to let your toddler try it just to see how well they can manipulate the opening.  Toddlers quickly learn how to open things and you don’t want to spend time installing something that your clever toddler will easily figure out.  Another thing you want to check is that the spring or closing feature allows it to close easily on its own after opening.  It should have a catch/lock feature that automatically forces it to close behind you.

The 5 Places in Your Home You Should Install a Child Safety Gate

Gates should be installed in any room that you feel is unfit for a toddler.  Here are the most common areas for safety gate installation:

* Stairs (top/bottom)
* Kitchen
* Bathroom
* Basement
* Pantry/Laundry Room

You can either purchase mounted baby safety gates or gates that are held in place by tension.  Of these gates you can choose one that is stabilized or walk through.  If you are looking for a tension mounted gate that requires no holes in the drywall, look for one made of a sturdy plastic, wood or metal that is lead free.  It should be able to fit snugly in place.  The easiest thing to do is measure your door opening and shop accordingly.  The color and style have little to do with the safety but can be a factor in inflating the price.  The same holds true for the installed gates.  Installed gates should be fitted to the inside of the door frame using the hardware provided with the gate.  These are permanent child safety gates and can usually be installed with little more than a drill.

For more on child safety gates check here at Consumer Reports.

Find more Child n’Parent resources on child safety here.

I had a similar problem when my daughter was in kindergarten.  She and her 2-year-old brother became very competitive about being the first one to get into the car when I picked her up.  It was a struggle for a while, me fruitlessly yelling, “stop” while they raced towards the parking lot.

In this case I found a reward for good behavior worked better than a punishment. I reminded them not to run and to stay by me before we left the building.  I told them there was a snack waiting in the car for those who walked nicely next to me.

Teaching your kids pedestrian safety from a young age is important since auto pedestrian accidents are the second leading cause of injury related deaths in children.

Try these parenting tips to keep your kids safe in the parking lot.

Talk it out.

Kids behave better when they know what to expect to encounter and what is expected of them.  Before you go out the door, talk to your kids about how to behave in the parking lot. Tell them to stay close and never run.  Review safety rules like looking both ways.  Praise them for their good behavior while you are walking to the car and when you get inside.  My kids love it when I let them call Dad or Grandma on the cell phone to brag when they’ve behaved well.

Lessen the load.

If there’s something you can leave in the car, do it.  The less stuff you have to deal with, the more free your hands are to take care of the kids.  Even children as young as 2 or 3 can carry their own stuff in a small backpack with little trouble. Take your shopping cart all the way to the car, even if you just have one bag.  Do anything that will leave your hands free to take theirs.  Remember whatever you may feel you need to carry is not as valuable as your child.

Take a “hands on” approach.  Even if you can’t hold on to your kids, they can hold onto you.  Kids can hold onto your pockets or purse, or a shopping cart or stroller.  When standing near the car, they can keep a hand on the car.  Giving your child a specific place to hold helps her remember to do so each time.

Smaller children can also hold the hand of an older child.  Giving an older child this responsibility can help them model good behavior for the younger child.

Make it a Game.

Ask your child to count steps, or name the colors of the cars he passes on the way through the parking lot.  Teach children to wait for your signal before venturing off in a parking lot.  Say “red light” when you want them to stop, and green light when it’s okay to go.  Help your children go slowly by having them walk like they are stuck in gooey mud.

Be Alert.

Always teach your children to look both ways before walking into a traffic area. They should see you doing the same.  Teach them how to recognize dangers like running cars or corners where a car may turn into their path unexpectedly.  Point out these dangers when you see them.  Use traffic signals and crosswalks where available.  Always be alert in a parking lot. Watching your kids is more important than talking on the cell phone.

For more parenting safety tips, visit our Child Safety home page.

Recent studies have found dangerous toys still on store shelves in the U.S.

Toys testing positive for high levels of lead and toys with small loose parts, poorly attached magnets and other hazards are still found on store shelves! It is important that parents be watchful, educate themselves and make wise purchases this shopping season. Parents also need to be familiar with the toys that their children currently have. You will not be able to identify lead by simply looking at a toy. You can purchase inexpensive lead testing kits that could possibly save your child’s life, however these tests do not indicate how much lead is present and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead is uncertain. Only a certified lab can accurately test a toy for lead.

Lead may be used in two aspects of toy manufacturing.

Paint: Lead may be found in the paint on toys . It was banned in house paint, on products marketed to children, and in dishes or cookware in the United States in 1978; however, it is still widely used in other countries and therefore can still be found on imported toys. †It may also be found on older toys made in the United States before the ban.

Plastic: The use of lead in plastics has not been banned. It softens the plastic and makes it more flexible so that it can go back to its original shape.† It may also be used in plastic toys to stabilize molecules from heat. †When the plastic is exposed to substances such as sunlight, air, and detergents the chemical bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms a dust.

If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead, remove the toy immediately according to the National Center for Environmental Health. Your physician can perform a blood lead test and recommend treatment if your child has been exposed.

While shopping for toys, it may seem simple to avoid toys made in China, but companies, not countries make toys. Factories in China are tested for lead use and other dangers, but testing is only random. To best protect your children, start by looking for toys that are age appropriate for your child. Toy packages will give an age range for each toy. Toys such as Laugh and Learn Kitchen Toys have recently been recalled due to pieces of the clock or faucet coming off and causing choking in children.

Toys containing magnets also pose a risk for young children. Mattel recently recalled their Doggie Day Care Magnetic Toys due to the magnets coming loose. If one or more magnets are swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestional perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. Remember that lead is not the only toy hazard dangerous to children.

You can check for all recalls on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission web site where you will find a full list of all toys that have been recalled for any safety reason.

Shop smart and you are giving your child the best shot at staying safe and lead free this holiday season.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?

Oxygen is carried by red blood cells to various parts of the body. At a high level, carbon monoxide interferes in this process, bonding to the red blood cells and blocking oxygen from reaching the delicate tissues of the body. Red blood cells actually pick up carbon monoxide faster than oxygen. Being exposed to higher levels of carbon monoxide inhibits the body’s ability to get the oxygen it needs. Internal tissue damage can occur and, at toxic levels, even death. All of this can happen in a very short time. Sleeping children and adults seem to absorb carbon monoxide faster, and when you are asleep, symptoms are not readily apparent. Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to keep their child safe from its deadly effects.

Symptoms Mirror the Flu

Many of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mirror the flu, which adds confusion to the diagnosis. Parents should watch for nausea, dizziness, headache, and weakness. More toxic cases might include mental confusion, chest pain and loss of consciousness. If more than one person is experiencing these symptoms at the same time in the same environment, then it is most likely carbon monoxide poisoning. If only one person is experiencing the symptoms, take them outside for deep gulps of fresh air. If there is no improvement after stepping outside, it is most likely a flu or other cold bug. If they start to feel better, then carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected. In any case, if your child is ill, it is always best to consult a medical professional. The best way to prevent your child from experiencing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is to take preventative measures to ensure their safety at home and during recreational activities.

Preventative Safety Measures Save Lives

Preventative safety measures save lives. Carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs when carbon monoxide has been allowed to build up in an enclosed area. Always keep areas around fuel burning appliances, well ventilated. Fuel burning appliances should also have annual maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly and effectively. Some signs of a good appliances going bad include:

1. A violet flame.
2. Decrease in the hot water supply due to an inefficient water heater.
3. The furnace is not producing heat throughout the house and/or runs constantly.
4. The appliances or furnace is producing soot. Soot is noticed on vents and appliances.
5. There is a strange burning odor.
6. Wetness around windows and window tracks.

Problem appliances need immediate service from a qualified company technician. Fuel burning furnaces, wood burning stoves and fireplaces should also have annual checks.. Flues and chimneys should be cleaned on a regular basis by a qualified chimney sweep and any chips and cracks repaired. A chimney sweep company can provide more information on recommended maintenance and repair.

Parents should also be careful about burning fuel appliances or running the car in an enclosed garage. Many families have fuel burning generators in case of electrical emergencies. These portable generators should be run outside of the home and away from vents, open doors and windows that could allow carbon monoxide build-up in the home. Never run a generator in your garage. Cars should be started in the garage with the garage door open. Running a car in an enclosed, attached garage can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home through the connecting door. Parents should counsel older children to open the garage door before starting a car.

Recreational Activities Can be Killer Culprits

Recreational activities can be killer culprits in carbon monoxide poisoning. Grilling and boating can be especially dangerous if preventative safety measures are not in force. When firing up the grill be sure to do it outside in a well ventilated area. Grilling in cabins and/or tents is a fire hazard and could also cause a build up of carbon monoxide. Matches need to be controled as well so that little children don’t wind up playing with them.

The danger of carbon monoxide poising while boating comes largely from the boat’s gasoline powered engine. Houseboats with onboard electric powered generators also pose a threat. Generators that vent toward the rear of the boat present a significant danger to those swimming on the swim deck, or near the rear swim platform. Carbon monoxide tends to accumulate just above the water and near the rear platform. It can fill the air space beneath the stern deck and reach toxic levels in minutes. Carbon monoxide can also build up around any exhaust vents inside or outside the boat. Safety measures include:

1. Make sure that all fuel burning engines and appliances are correctly installed and regularly maintained.
2. Make all boaters aware of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Watch children closely for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially while swimming near the rear swim deck or platform.
4. Try to direct swimming activities away from exhaust vents and the rear swim deck or platform.
5. Regularly check exhaust outlets to ensure that they are free and clear of any obstructions.

Other boaters can also cause a build up of carbon monoxide in your boating area. Always be sure to maintain at least 20 feet between fellow boaters. Idling the boat’s engine is also dangerous practice, giving carbon monoxide the opportunity to build up in both enclosed and open spaces. Operating a boat at a high bow angle due to a heavy cargo load can cause a back drafting effect, which in turn could also cause a toxic build-up of carbon monoxide.

Monitors Can Protect Your Family

In spite of all the best efforts of concerned parents, carbon monoxide poisonings still occur. The best protection against this unseen danger is an effective monitor that can tell you if carbon monoxide is in the air. A monitor will sample the air periodically and let out a loud alarm should levels of carbon monoxide within your home or boat become dangerous. They are battery operated and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Some come with an A/C battery back up and self-testing functions which will alert you if something is wrong with the monitor itself. Some monitors are a combination of both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors giving families combination protection. Our suggested five best Carbon Monoxide monitors are:

1. First Alert with digital display and plug in feature
.
2. Kiddie Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
3. Kiddie 900-0146 Digital Monitor
4. Kiddie Plug In Monitor
5. First Alert Plug In Monitor

You can read more about these monitors and their features by checking out the links below.

The best protection for any child is an observant parent. Should you suspect your child has carbon monoxide poisoning, get them some fresh air and call 911! Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning involves oxygen therapy, or breathing oxygen for a sustained amount of time through a tight fitting mask. This therapy helps re-oxygenate the tissues of the body and lowers the carbon monoxide within the body back to a safe level.

Knowledge is power and knowing what to do to prevent and protect your child from carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely important. Install a Carbon Monoxide Monitor and take appropriate safety measures at home and during recreational activities to keep your family protected from this deadly enemy.

Suggested links on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

More Information on the top five carbon monoxide monitors .

Information from the Environmental Protection Agency on carbon monoxide poisoning.

Informative boating brochure with diagrams to explain how swimmers and boating positions can cause carbon monoxide danger. Tips as well on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning while boating.

One of the better guides to help prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Water Safety Begins in the Home

Parental responsibility are two key words to remember when your child is in or near the water. Accidental drownings happen far too often and, unfortunately, a good portion of them happen in the home. Begin teaching your child at an early age that a parent should always be with them when they are in the bath tub. Never allow a small child to turn on the bath faucet or bathe alone. When bathing a child, a parent should always be right there within arms length. Small babies should be bathed in a baby bath tub which holds very little water to help keep the baby safe. Giving your baby a daily bath will help them become used to the bathing experience. For babies 6-9 months a sit-n-splash device designed with surrounding support helps the child sit upright in the tub and provides a further measure of safety. For active toddlers, the best protection is having mom or dad right there during the bath. Bath time for toddlers can also be water safety teaching time. Talk to your child about water safety while helping them bathe and show them how to blow bubbles in the water by blowing through the nose and mouth. Encourage them to practice the bubble blowing technique. The fun pre-school song below is often used in Parent/Tot Swim Classes and is fun to sing during bubble blowing.

“I had a tiny turtle,
His name was tiny Tim.
I dropped him in the water
to see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water.
He ate up all the soap,
And now my little Turtle
Has bubbles in his throat.”

Mom or dad can also help a toddler learn how to position their body for back and front floats. These basic learning experiences will help to prepare a child for level 1 swimming classes and help them further understand water safety.

Water safety in the home does not end with the bathtub. Any free standing water in the home presents a danger to small children. Buckets of water should be carefully monitored so that a small child does not fall in. Toilet lids should be closed or, even better, locked so that an exploring child does not fall in head first. The washing machine should also be carefully monitored for the same reason. Keeping your child safe and making them aware of water safety at home will help prepare them for bigger water experiences.

Let’s Hit the Pool!!

Small children are naturally curious and a big sparkly swimming pool is sure to draw their attention. Children’s lungs are small and a small child can drown within two minutes. If you have a backyard pool, a high fence with vertical bars and a self-locking gate are essential to keep your child safe. The fence should surround the pool and be at least four feet high. All pool access doors within the home should have a barrier, ideally the pool fence. A home itself should never substitute as part of a pool fence. Small children can easily slip out if a pool access door is carelessly left unlocked.

A self-locking gate to the pool entrance will automatically lock when the gate is closed. Be sure to keep the key in a safe place where children will be unable to access it. A pool that is in good repair is also a safe pool. Concrete, diving boards, waterslides, as well as the gate and fence should always be in good repair. Chipped or broken concrete can provide unsafe footing and a break in the fence or a broken lock on the gate could result in an unfortunate tragedy.

Of course the best drowning protection around a pool is the parent. Never leave a child unattended around a pool and never take your eyes off them. Let the answering machine catch the phone calls and let the doorbell ring! Too many pool side tragedies occur when a parent steps away, even for just a moment. If your child is 3 or older, talk to them and help them learn and understand these pool safety rules.

1. Never get into the pool by yourself!
“Mommy or daddy should always be with you in or around the pool. You should never ever get into the pool without mommy or daddy.”

2. Walk, never run around a pool.
“The pool is made up of concrete.” Have the child feel the sides of the pools and ask them if it is soft or hard. When they understand that it feels hard, explain that if they run around the pool they could fall and hit their head on the hard surface which would give them a big “owie.” Tell them they should never, ever, run around a pool.

3. Never push or jump on other people.
“It’s fun to swim and play with our friends, but we need to be careful that we do not push them or jump on them, even during water games. This might cause them to get hurt.”

4. Swim in the pool where it is safest for you. Help children who are old enough understand that the numbers on the sides of the pool are depth levels.
“Since you are just learning how to swim, you need to stay in the shallow end which is here.” As children grow and become more proficient in swimming, they may want to try swimming in the deeper water as well as diving. Help your child understand which areas of the pool are safe for their particular skills. Also, be sure to guide your child to deep enough water for any diving experiences.

5. Don’t eat just prior to swimming as cramps could develop and never eat or chew gum while swimming which could cause choking. ”Don’t eat for one hour before swimming and you must never have food or gum in your mouth when swimming in the pool. You could choke.”

Floaties or water flotation devices are fun, but they should never substitute for parental supervision. A small child could easily get turned upside down in a ring and floaties could accidentally get punctured or slip on a child’s arm and be ineffective. In the pool, or any water situation, nothing substitutes for the eyes of a watchful parent.

Who wants to go Boating!!

Summer water fun may also include boating. Boating is a fun experience for children. It is exciting to travel over the blue-green water and watch the water spray. Many family boating experiences occur on lakes or ponds. As with a pool experience, children should be carefully monitored so that they do not climb over the sides of the boat and fall. Explaining boating rules to your child will help them have a safe boating experience

1. A Coast Guard approved life jacket that is appropriate for the child’s size should be worn on the boat and in the water at all times. Before the boating experience, be sure to have your child try on the life jacket at home to be sure that it fits properly and is in good condition. Have them wear it in your backyard or local pool to get an idea of how it feels to float in the water Have them practice swimming strokes with the jacket on until they are comfortable with the feeling.

2. The water in lakes and ponds can be murky and the bottom could be full of rocks, trash, and/or plant life. Depth levels in lakes and ponds are not clear cut and both children and parents need to exercise caution. Have your child wear water shoes to protect their feet from whatever is on the bottom and be sure that they are extra cautious in their diving. A no-diving rule is highly recommended. Plant life in a lake can easily wrap around little legs and feet. Be
sure to watch and listen for your child carefully, should they find themselves tangled up in a weedy situation.

3. Propellers also pose a threat to any child swimming near the back of a boat. Before the boating experience, show your child where the propellers are located on the boat and explain how they rotate to make the boat go. Make your child aware that the blades are sharp and when they are going they move very fast. Help your child understand that they should never, ever swim near a propeller and that while swimming the propeller should always be turned off and the boat anchored. Instruct your child to swim away from the boat if the propeller is accidentally turned on while they are in the water. Before going boating, have your child practice going down the step ladder into the water. Show them how to get into the water and swim or push off in a direction that is opposite to where the propellers are located.

4. As with a pool experience, eating just prior to swimming is not a good idea. Food and gum in the mouth while swimming can cause choking. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed as they might interfere in an adult’s operation of the boat and a parent’s ability to supervise their child in the water. Also, be sure to follow proper safety precautions and local advisories should the fine boating weather turn into a storm.

Ah, a Relaxing Sea Side Vacation

A family vacation to the ocean sounds very inviting and relaxing. The ocean is beautiful and the breeze refreshing. The picture alone can put any frazzled parent to sleep. But when visiting the sea-side with children, parents will want to keep their eyes wide open and these safety tips in mind.

1. Check the local weather and sea side conditions before you go. If there are lifeguards on duty check the weather conditions at the lifeguard station on the beach. Lifeguards can also inform on areas where the waves and rip-tides are strong and unsafe for swimming. They can point out markers and flags that will indicate safe and unsafe areas.

2. Children should stay close to the shallow water of the shore with parental supervision. Be sure to watch toddlers carefully as small children can drown in a very shallow amount of water. Older children who want to swim deeper into the ocean should always swim with an adult buddy who is a strong swimmer. A life jacket may also be used, but parents should exercise caution. Floating and swimming in a life jacket requires a child to know how to float and swim over waves. A child unfamiliar with how a life jacket feels and works in ocean water could wind up in trouble and be tossed by the ocean waves. The local Red Cross offers lessons and training on how to properly wear and use a life jacket.

3. Older children with stronger swimming skills should only swim out into the ocean with a parent or older family member. Before a seaside vacation, teach older children how to swim out of a riptide. A riptide is a strong current that will quickly pull a person out to deeper water. It is caused by a wave build up on shore where waves build up and pull out to the ocean. They often occur near stationary objects like piers and reefs. Instruct your child on how to swim out of a riptide and how to be safe in the ocean before you ease into a lounge chair.

1. Never swim alone in the ocean. Always have an adult buddy.

2. A strong pull on your body carrying you farther from shore and into the ocean is a rip tide.

3. If you feel you are caught in a riptide, start swimming parallel to the shore.

4. Swim for a bit and as soon as you feel the pull stop, start swimming quickly for the shore.

5. If you tire or find yourself in trouble, yell loudly for help to your adult buddy or to the life guard and people on shore if your adult buddy is unable to help you.

6. Never panic. Panicking is hard not to do in a dangerous situation but panicking can waste valuable energy that needs to be directed toward swimming.

7. Never allow your child to swim in an area where sharks may present a threat.

8. Water shoes are also a good idea in the ocean in the shallow areas only, particularly if there is a lot of undersea life and if there is a danger of crabs.

Always advise your child to be alert while swimming in the ocean. It’s a big, exciting place which can present danger as well as beauty.

Whatever is on your agenda this summer for water fun, be sure to keep your child safe. Teach your child to always swim with a buddy, use sun-screen, and follow the safety rules for each individual water experience. Small babies and infants should always be held or supported in the water and all children deserve conscientious parental supervision. Help your children become more proficient swimmers. Enroll them in swimming lessons through a national program such as the Red Cross, YMCA, and Starfish. These programs can be found through City Parks and Recreation Programs as well as at local recreational centers. The YMCA even offers a free class called Splash to help children learn more about water safety. When water safety tips and rules are taught in the home, accidents are less likely to happen. Summer fun can start and end with peace of mind knowing your child understands water safety.

Links to help teach your child water safety:

This website boatingsidekicks offers fun car games and activities to help children learn how to be safe while boating.

This site offers a fun water safety book that you can down load and help your child color.

The American Academy of Pediatrics statement on water safety. This site AAP Water Safety also offers information on first aid, CPR and how to keep your child safe.

More information on barrier and fence protection around a pool.

Short Bio on the Author: Debby Hoffer lives in South Jordan, Utah and is the mother of five children from age’s fourteen to four. She has written articles for Mythos software and had a short quote in the “Vent” column in the Arizona Republic. Debby has participated with her children in Red Cross Swimming and Starfish programs. As a child, Debby enjoyed boating on Utah Lake as well as fishing and swimming in the pond located on her family property at Lone Oak Farm. While living in Arizona, Debby had a friend whose child died in an accidental drowning. Debby wants all children to be safe and hopes this article is informative and helpful to parents everywhere.

As hard as we may try, we cannot watch our children every minute, especially those curious toddlers. Taking steps to prevent accidents before they happen will not only keep your child safe, but will give you as the parent peace of mind.

It is important to remember that children are creative and get into the craziest things, so examine your home from a child’s perspective. Keep in mind that children of different ages require different childproofing products. Parents often find a safety checklist useful in making sure that nothing is overlooked when childproofing their home. We recommend the following childproofing checklist: Protect Your Kids

There are many fabulous products on the market designed to assist you in childproofing your home and even your yard. Do your research and re-evaluate often to make sure that your home is childproof. Do it for you, and most importantly do it for your child.

Find a variety of safety tips and information at Safe Kids Links

Our choice for Child Safety Products to protect your family and give you peace of mind. MyPreciousKid

Start by checking the references for the babysitter.

Here are some suggestions from the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI), a first-aid training and safety organization.

Home Safety: Have the sitter keep all doors shut and locked, and do not open the door for anyone.. Provide instructions for any callers at the door in addition to NOT revealing that the parents are not at home.

Emergency Information: Make sure Emergency numbers such as police, fire and poison-control, are posted by the phone. Also leave phone numbers where you can be reached.

First Aid: Make sure the sitter knows where to get all first aid materials

Water Safety: Always watch children near water, the bathtub, shower, pool, even a bucket, children can drown in just one inch of water

Fire safety: Show the sitter your plan for getting everyone out of the house. Show the sitter and remind the older children of the outdoor meeting place in the event of a fire.

Food Allergies: Be sure to tell the sitter if your children have food allergies. Make sure the sitter understands what you want them to prepare for the children.

Telephone: Never reveal that there is no parent present. You may prefer they not answer the phone at all.

Medications. Leave written instructions for times and amount of medicines to be given to the child. Remind the sitter not to give the child any medication without your permission.

Try these three websites for quick help on most child safety questions:

Kid Source A useful collection of child safety topics.

KeepKidsHealthy A pediatrician’s guide to child health and safety.

MedlinePlus An easy to use U.S. Government child safety information site.