Child Health and Safety

From the moment women find out they’re pregnant, they become extremely focused on the health and safety of their fetus. The worries don’t end when your baby is born. They never truly go away — you’ll worry about your child for the rest of your life.

But instead of letting that worry consume you, you can use it as fuel to protect your baby. By learning about the threats they face, you can educate yourself about ways to reduce their risks.

Pacifiers

Your baby may enjoy using a pacifier. If so, keep two on hand. That’s a lifesaver in case your baby gets dependent on them and you notice one is dirty.

To clean it, you can run it under water. For a more thorough clean, many pacifiers can be placed in the dishwasher on the top rack.

To reduce the risk of choking on small parts, you can buy the best pacifiers that have only one piece.

Colic, Gas and Crying

Baby colic is enough to drive a parent crazy. The non-stop crying and feeling that you aren’t capable of soothing your baby is a tough pill for parents to swallow.

Colic may be caused by acid reflux, intense gas, and other factors doctors haven’t even identified yet. Do your best to soothe your child, but realize that it’s okay to walk away for a minute and leave your baby crying in their crib if you need a break.

It can be easy to lose your temper when dealing with colic. It’s better to walk away than to act on that frustration by doing something stupid or by yelling at your child. If you feel like you are at your limit, ask your partner to watch the baby while you leave the house for an hour to clear your head.

All babies cry frequently, but most don’t have colic. The reasons your baby may cry often includes:

  • Hunger.
  • Uncomfortable temperature.
  • Dirty diaper.
  • Gas.
  • Pain, such as a hair wrapped around a toe.
  • Illness.
  • Wanting to see you.
  • Constipation.

Constipation

If your baby is constipated, they may not have been taking in enough liquids. If they are on solid foods, they may have been eating too many constipating foods like cheese and bananas.

If your child is fighting constipation, increase the fluids. Introduce a few ounces of prune juice and that should free up the situation before too long.

Babyproofing

Your home may seem safe to you, but it can be full of hidden threats for your child. You’ll have time to work on the babyproofing thing — it’s not something that has to be done before you bring your child home from the hospital. Fortunately for parents, babies aren’t mobile for the first several months.

But time will pass quickly, and it won’t be long before your baby will be crawling. That could happen as soon as the six-month mark, so you should give thought to babyproofing around your baby’s third month.

You will need to inspect your house to see what dangers there are. When you look at your surroundings, don’t do it as a parent. Pretend you’re a baby and you’re down low — maybe even crawl around for a minute and see what you see on all fours that you don’t notice while walking around.

Here is a basic checklist of items you may need to babyproof.

  • Anchoring furniture to the wall.
  • Putting fireplace screens up to prevent burns.
  • Installing the best baby gates at the top and bottom of staircases or whatever room you want to keep your baby from accessing.
  • Putting covers over all electricals outlets.
  • Making sure all cords for blinds are out of baby’s reach.
  • Putting up carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if you don’t have them.
  • Putting safety latches on cabinets under the bathroom and kitchen sinks that may contain cleaning products.
  • Remove or seal any flaking paint. This is particularly important if your house was built in the 1970s when lead paint was used. Lead exposure can be devastating for children.

Illnesses

Do your best to keep your baby away from sick people after you leave the hospital. That’s especially important for the first months as your baby builds up its immune system. But sooner or later, despite your best efforts, your baby is going to get sick.

You’ll be extremely worried about it, but try to relax a little. Babies can be a lot stronger than you give them credit for. Just keep a close eye on them, watch for any signs of fever or dehydration, and call your pediatrician if you’re concerned.

Safety While Being Outside

Instilling a love of the outdoors in your child can be a powerful gift you give them from an early age. A lot of kids spend too much time inside, without getting the physical and emotional health benefits of being outside.

Make sure to take your child outside for walks in their stroller or in their baby carrier. They’ll love seeing a change of scenery. And short exposure to the sun will be helpful for them, giving them more Vitamin D.

With a toddler, it’s important to watch their every move while they are exploring the great outdoors. Even if you have a fence up in your backyard, you can’t let them roam freely just because you know they aren’t going to be able to escape.

There are hazards outside for them because toddlers like to put everything in their mouths. You should make sure there are no harmful plants outside the house that they might try to eat. Also, keep a close eye on them whenever they are outside.

Sun Safety

Sunburns are more than just painful — they increase your child’s future skin cancer risk. You must always be cautious when taking your baby out in the sun. It doesn’t take long for a slight sunburn to develop for them.

To make sure you’re minimizing your child’s chance of getting a sunburn, you should:

  • Keep them in the shade whenever possible when outside. One way to do this is to use your stroller’s canopy to give some protection.
  • Limit their time outside during the sunniest part of the day, generally between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Use baby-safe sunscreen when your child is going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.
  • Use sun-protective clothing.

Water Safety

Being around and in water can be one of the greatest joys of childhood. But drowning and catastrophic injuries are a real possibility for children. You should always supervise your child closely when they are around water.

Even small, inflatable children’s pools require careful supervision. Children can drown in just a couple of inches of water under the right circumstances.

While visiting beaches, remember to keep your child near you at all times. In addition to the usual threat of stranger danger, you have to be watchful of water currents. Waves can easily knock your child down if they are playing too close to the shoreline.

Mosquitoes

When your child is spending any time outside, particularly at dusk or in the evening, mosquitoes will be a concern. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as West Nile, and the bites can be painful for your child.

It’s not uncommon for young children to have big reactions to mosquito bites. Often the bites swell considerably, become itchy, and can even bruise.

Try to keep your child from being outside at peak mosquito hours in the evening, and have them wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when they’re outside at dusk. You can also use baby-safe insect repellent to help keep your child safe.

Related Topics
Child with arm brace and teddy bear sitting on bed at the clinic

25 Key Child Injury Statistics and Facts: Parental Guide

Unrecognizable man giving candy to a little girl in the elevator

Child Abduction Statistics and Facts (40 Facts for Parents)

Doctor measuring young girl's waist

Child Obesity Statistics and Facts: A Guide to Effective Prevention Strategies

Young girl wearing hat working in construction site

Child Labor Statistics: From Asia to America, The Stark Reality

Young girl covering her ears while being scolded by her parent

Child Abuse Statistics: A Deep Dive into National Data and Long-Term Effects

A cute baby in a swimsuit playing in the sand at the beach

Upgrade Your Baby's Beach Day with the Best Swimsuits

Children having fun on the side of the pool

Planning the Perfect Pool Party: Ideas and Inspiration

Fireplace with screen guard

Your Guide to the Best Fireplace Screens: Enhancing Safety and Aesthetics

Dual screen baby monitors and toy on wooden table

Best Dual Screen Baby Monitors — Top Picks for Modern Parents

Insect bite on baby's hand

Handling Insect Bites on Babies: A Parent's Guide

Mom and dad pushing toddler on an outdoor swing

Baby Swing Age: When and How to Safely Use It

Checking cute little baby's weight on scales

How and When Does Average Baby Weight Change?

Cute siblings wearing face masks

Guide to the Best Kids Face Masks - Keep Your Child Safe

Young girl pumping hand sanitizer on her hand

Unleashing the Best Hand Sanitizers for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

A young goofy boy swimming with goggles

Best Kids Swimming Goggles: Making Swim Time Safer

Kids playing in swimming pool with each wearing a swim vest

Exploring the Best Toddler Swim Vests: Safety Meets Fun

Toddler playing inside a baby fence

Choosing the Best Baby Fences: Why, When, and How?

Cleaning baby poop

Types of Baby Poop: Insight into Your Baby's Health

Newborn baby boy wrapped in blanket

Newborn Doesn't Cry: A Unique Situation or Cause for Alarm?

Newborn baby with chapped lips

How to Effectively Treat Your Newborn's Chapped Lips

Mom giving pedialyte to sick baby

Can I Give My Baby Pedialyte: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toddler riding a bike wearing a helmet

Find the Best: Reviews of Baby and Toddler Bike Helmets

Crying baby

Decoding Baby Crying: An Essential Skill for New Parents

Baby boy in a hat swimming int the pool with a yellow float

Choosing the Best Baby Floats for Pool Fun and Safety

Toddler standing on a stool while brushing his teeth in bathroom

Top-Rated Step Stools for Toddlers and Kids - A Comprehensive Review

Newborn crying in mother's arms

Dealing with Purple Crying: A Comprehensive Guide

Baby boy crying in his crib

Should You Try the Cry It Out Method? - A Comprehensive Guide

Father comforting crying baby

Decoding Baby Tears: How to Soothe a Crying Baby

Mother looking over her baby in the backseat

Promoting Safety: The Best Baby Car Mirrors for Your Vehicle

Crying baby in a bassinet

Baby Cries in Sleep: Understanding the Mystery and How to Respond

Pouting little girl

Understanding and Dealing with a Whining Child - Tips and Tricks

Mother comforting her crying baby

Is Your Baby Fussy or Crying While Breastfeeding?

Mom carrying her crying baby

Unveiling Reasons for Baby Crying After Feeding

Baby sleeping with a baby monitor

Unveiling the Best Baby Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide

Sleeping baby wearing a breathing monitor

Best Baby Breathing Monitors: Why and When to Buy?

Crying baby given nose drops

Saline Nose Drops for Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mother using a baby monitor app on her phone

Which Baby Monitor Apps Are Worth Your Time and Money?

Video nanny in front of sleeping baby

Choosing the Best Baby Monitors for Deaf Parents: Key Features and Reviews

Best Audio Baby Monitor on the table

Best Audio Baby Monitors: Ensuring Quality at an Affordable Price

Baby with ear infection

Baby Ear Infection: A Common Issue Pediatricians Deal With

Baby playing near the baby gate

Discover the Best Baby Gates for Your Home

Baby crouching on a bath mat

Making Bathtime Safer with the Best Baby Bath Mats

Long range baby monitor on a table

Best Long Range Baby Monitors: A Close Look at Top Models

Twins sleeping together

Best Baby Monitors for Twins: Helping Parents Breathe Easier

Baby looking inside the oven

The Essential Guide to Babyproofing Your Kitchen

Toddler playing with electrical chord

Teaching Kids Safety: Babyproofing Electric Outlets and Cords

Doctor checking baby's hip dysplasia

Baby Hip Dysplasia — An In-depth Look at Causes and Treatments

A baby bed rail

Top Recommendations for the Best Toddler Bed Rails & Bumpers

Two toddler girls wearing backpack safety leashes

Is Using a Child Leash Right for You? - Best Products Reviewed

Mother kissing her baby by the fireplace

Babyproofing Fireplace? Maintaining Safety and Aesthetics

Toddler playing by the window unsupervised

Child Safety at Home: The Need for Babyproofing Windows

Toddler climbing up the stairs unsupervised

Is Your Home Safe? The Importance of Babyproofing Stairs

Toddler climbing into the bathtub unsupervised

Prevent Accidents: Babyproofing Your Bathroom and Toilet

Baby boy with a head injury

Find the Best Baby Safety Helmets — A Comprehensive Guide

Baby wrapped in yellow bath towel

Grunting Baby Syndrome — Decoding Your Infant's Signals

Child putting a hand inside a drawer

Essential Guide: Childproofing Cabinets and Drawers

Toddler chewing on a TV remote control

Ensure Child Safety: How to Babyproof Living Room and TV

baby laying down with feet up

Blood or Mucus in Baby's Stool: Is It a Cause for Concern?

Newborn baby arching their back

Exploring the Causes of Your Newborn Arching Back

Young baby boy shaking his head

Unraveling the Puzzle of Baby Shaking Head

Baby learning how to swim

Water Safety: An Essential Component of Child Wellness

Young girl with mosquito bites on her legs.

Best Mosquito Repellent for Baby: A Solution to Mosquito-Borne Illness Concerns

Baby wearing a sun hat on the beach

Why the Best Sun Hats for Baby are Essential for Outdoor Play

Weaning off the Pacifier

Making the Break: How to Stop Using a Pacifier

Crying baby using pacifier

Exploring Pacifier Safety: Is Your Child's Soother Safe?

Baby sucking on pacifier waiting to breastfeed

Pacifiers and Breastfeeding — Finding the Middle Ground

Baby sleeping while sucking on a pacifier

Sterilize Pacifiers: Ensuring Your Baby's Health

Baby sitting in shopping cart

Shopping Cart Covers - Your Best Defense Against Germs?

Safety plastic lock on cabinet for child protection

Upgrading Home Safety: Best Cabinet Locks for Parents

Baby crying while having diaper changed

Tips for Calming a Baby Who Cries During Diaper Changes

Baby sleeping while using pacifier

How Pacifiers and Bottles Can Affect Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide

Young child touching a frying pan in the kitchen

Babyproofing Home — Key Steps to Prevent Unwanted Injuries

Constipated newborn baby crying

Taking Action Against Baby Constipation: A Comprehensive Guide

Baby sitting in car seat with sun protection from car sun shade

Discover the Best Car Shades for Babies: A Comprehensive Guide

Mother using a baby thermometer to take babys temperature underarm

Discover the Best Baby Thermometers: Safe, Accurate, Affordable

Baby boy wearing a life jacket playing in the ocean water

Unleashing the Best Life Jackets for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

Water Shoes For Toddlers, Babies and Kids

Top Picks: The Best Water Shoes for Kids Reviewed

Baby on the beach wearing sunscreen

Best Sunscreen for Babies: Shielding Their Delicate Skin from Harm

Baby girl wearing sunglasses on the beach

Superior Baby Sunglasses: Balancing Comfort and UV Protection

Parents changing dirty diaper of newborn child

Unsightly Poop Stains - How to Eradicate Them Effectively

Baby sleeping while soothing on a pacifier

Best Pacifiers — The Ultimate Guide for Parents

Baby girl standing in a beach tent

Discover the Best Baby Beach Tents for Your Summer Vacation