From Birth to 1 Year

Babies reach, grasp, roll, and eventually crawl. As a result, it's easy for them to roll off changing tables, sofas, and beds. Keep your baby safe by never leaving her where a fall can happen. If the doorbell rings and your baby is on the changing table, bring her with you while you answer the door. If you must leave her for a moment, put her on the floor, in a playpen, or a crib - never a place high off the ground from which she could fall.

Another way to prevent falls is to make sure you use a safety gate at the door of your baby's room to prevent her from reaching the top of the stairs. It only takes a moment for a curious child to peer over the edge and tumble down. Placing a gate at the top of the stairs allows for the possibility that your baby will climb the gate and fall from an even greater height, so take a few minutes to properly install a safety gate in the correct place.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against using walkers because they create a falling hazard.

Burns and drownings are also common accidents in the home, so you should take special precautions when your child is around water. Always test the temperature of feeding bottles and bath water. In addition, never leave your baby alone near water. Drowning can happen very quickly and in less than 1 inch of water, so filled bathtubs, swimming pools, wading pools, buckets of water, and sinks can be dangerous. A child can drown in the water in a toilet, so be sure to purchase and install toilet locks that prevent accidents.

The time when your baby starts to crawl and stand presents different dangers. Shut the doors to all rooms your baby shouldn't enter to prevent her from wandering into places that haven't been properly babyproofed. To keep your young adventurer out of cabinets that may contain poisonous substances, make sure all cleaning agents and toxic substances - including paint - are in cabinets with safety locks. Because your child will constantly be putting items in her mouth, remove all breakable items and items small enough to fit in her mouth. Finally, take a look at your houseplants - are they poisonous or otherwise harmful to your child?

"Be sure to get down on your hands and knees and check your home from a child's perspective," Dr. Paul says. Making sure all electrical cords are out of reach and paying attention to what you have on low shelves and piled in corners now can save you from a trip to the emergency room later. Furthermore, using safety covers for electrical outlets can prevent electrical burns, shocks, and fires.

Your baby will spend a lot of time in her crib. It's your job to make sure it's safe, with no protruding screws and sides that latch securely. The mattress should fit snugly against the sides to prevent a suffocation hazard and should be kept at its lowest position once your child can stand. Soft toys and pillows should be kept out of the crib as well, because these items can suffocate a baby. Remember also how easy it is for her to grab anything - keep the cords of drapes and window shades well away from her little hands to avoid strangulation.