10 Health and Safety Tips for Kids Every Parent Should Know

Keeping your child healthy and safe is one of the biggest jobs a parent has. There is so much advice out there that it can feel confusing, especially for new parents. To make it easier, here is a simple list of health and safety tips, backed by trusted health experts, that every family can use.

1. Breastfeed if you can

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breast milk only for about the first 6 months, if possible. After that, it supports breastfeeding along with solid foods for 2 years or beyond, as long as you and your baby want. The CDC says breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, ear infections, stomach infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Every family is different. If breastfeeding does not work for you, talk to your baby's doctor about formula.

2. Childproof your home early

Start childproofing before your baby begins to crawl. The AAP says to keep harmful items out of reach, out of sight and ideally in a cabinet with a lock or safety latch. Here are some simple steps:

• Lock up medicines, cleaning products and laundry pods.
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Cover outlets and keep cords out of reach.
• Keep toilet lids closed and bathroom doors shut.
• Check floors often for small objects your baby could choke on.
• Anchor TVs and heavy furniture to the wall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says children like to climb on furniture, and tip overs can kill or seriously injure them.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside bedrooms. The AAP says to test them every month.

Save the Poison Help line in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. It connects you to your local poison center from anywhere in the U.S., says HRSA. For more tips, read why babies put everything in their mouth and our guide to fall prevention in toddlers.

3. Always supervise

No gate or lock can take the place of a watchful adult. Babies and toddlers move fast, and accidents can happen in seconds. Keep your child where you can see them, especially near water, stairs, stoves and pets. Learn more in our post on pets and newborn baby safety.

4. Follow safe sleep rules

The AAP says to place your baby on their back for all naps and at night. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die suddenly and unexpectedly. Use a firm, flat surface with no pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys. Keep your baby in your room, but in their own crib or bassinet.

5. Get your child moving

Healthy habits start early. The CDC says children ages 3 to 5 should be active throughout the day, and kids ages 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of activity every day. Take your baby for walks in the stroller and give them tummy time. As your child grows, head to the park so they can run, climb and swing. Read more in our post on childhood obesity prevention.

6. Check for product recalls

Cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs and toys can be recalled when they are found to be unsafe. This is extra important for used or hand me down items. Search for recalls on the CPSC recalls page. Register new baby products with the maker so they can contact you if there is a recall.

7. Use the right safety gear

Safety gear saves lives. Always use a car seat that fits your child's age and size, on every ride. Learn how in our car seat safety tips. The AAP says kids should wear a helmet on every bike ride, and start the habit as soon as they ride scooters or tricycles.

8. Keep up with checkups

Take your child to every well child visit, and keep their vaccines up to date. If you or your partner have a health problem that runs in families, tell your child's doctor. If your child is not growing well or is often sick, ask the doctor to find out why. Our post on common health problems in toddlers explains what to watch for.

9. Be safe around water

The CDC says more children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent. The AAP says young children can drown in just an inch or two of water. To keep your child safe:

• Stay close. The AAP says to stay within arm's reach, whether it is bath time or swim time. Never leave a young child alone in the bathtub.
• Fence the pool. The CDC says to use a fence at least 4 feet tall on all four sides that separates the pool from the house, with a gate that closes and latches by itself. This includes large inflatable pools.
• Put the phone away. The adult watching kids should not read, use their phone or drink alcohol.
• Take swim lessons. The AAP says kids can start after their first birthday, depending on readiness. Kids who can swim still need close watching.
• Use life jackets in lakes, rivers and the ocean. The CDC says not to rely on air filled or foam toys, because they are not safety devices.
• Remove pool toys after swim time so kids are not tempted to go back to the water.
• Learn CPR. The CDC says your CPR skills could save a life.

10. Teach safety rules

As your child gets older, teach them simple rules, like holding hands in parking lots, never touching medicine and knowing their full name and your phone number. See our list of safety rules you should teach your kids.

Songs for active and safe play

Songs are a fun way to talk about safety and staying active. Swimming sings about putting on goggles, kicking your feet and swinging your arms. Play it before pool time and talk about your family's water rules. Playtime at the Playground gets kids excited to "swing and climb, run and jump." And Let's Go Out and Play reminds kids that when it gets late, "we'll have to go so we can get back safely home." Find more sing along videos on our music page.

Questions Parents Ask About Kids Health and Safety

When should I start childproofing?

Before your baby starts to crawl. The AAP says to lock away harmful items before or as soon as your child begins crawling or walking.

What is the Poison Help number?

Call 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the U.S. It connects you to your local poison center. Call 911 if your child is not breathing or will not wake up.

What is the leading cause of death for young children?

The CDC says more children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause.

What kind of pool fence do I need?

The CDC says to use a fence at least 4 feet tall on all four sides, separating the pool from the house, with a gate that closes and latches by itself.

When can my child start swim lessons?

The AAP says children can start after their first birthday, depending on readiness. Ask your child's doctor if your child is ready.

How long should I breastfeed?

The AAP recommends breast milk only for about the first 6 months, then breastfeeding with solid foods for 2 years or beyond, as long as you and your baby want.

How do I check if a baby product was recalled?

Search the product on the CPSC recalls page at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Register new products with the maker so they can reach you about recalls.

This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.