Children's Health

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Before your child visits an unfamiliar home, ask whether you need to be aware of any dangerous areas, weapons in the home, pets, or other safety issues. Also, it is always a good idea to see the household for yourself. Don't be afraid to voice any concerns you have about safety. You are ultimately responsible for protecting your child.

Choosing child care

Before enrolling your child in day care, evaluate the environment and talk with the care providers. Ask questions about their safety guidelines. Identify any hazards and ask how they are handled. Inspect the food preparation area and ask how often it is cleaned and with what kinds of products. For more information, see the topic Choosing Child Care.

Going along for the ride: Exercising caution

Many parents and caregivers want to share their favorite activities with their young children. This can help build common interests and appreciation for exercise and other pursuits. Be sure, however, to recognize the safety issues related to these activities. Remember that your child's comfort and safety are most important.

• Keep your child safe in strollers and carts. Use the safety straps and follow the printed instructions. For example, signs on shopping carts usually advise against putting a child in the area reserved for shopping items.
• Use extra caution when riding bikes and tricycles. Make sure you and your child always wear helmets and practice safe riding habits, such as avoiding busy streets. Bike only during daylight hours.
• If your child rides a scooter, watch him or her at all times. Don't let your child ride near traffic, and have him or her wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Wait until your child is a little older before you teach skateboard safety. It's not safe for children younger than 5 to use skateboards.
• Prevent sunburns by taking extra precautions, such as applying sunscreen and putting on a hat before going outdoors. Also, be careful your child does not develop heat exhaustion from being out in warm temperatures. Small bodies can develop these problems much more quickly than adults. Do not keep your child out in warm weather for long periods. Keep water or other drinks on hand, and never leave your child alone in a car, even with the windows down. For more information, see the topics Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses.
• Monitor air pollution when planning to take your child with you for outdoor activities. Children's lungs are especially sensitive to pollution. You can check your newspaper or local weather station for details about air pollution levels.