Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years
Topic Overview
This topic advises parents and other caregivers on ways to help prevent illness and accidental injuries in babies and young children. It is not able or meant to cover every risk that faces a child. However, the topic addresses many of the most common hazards so you can help minimize the risk of infections and injuries and identify areas and situations that can be dangerous for a child up to 2 years of age.
Why are health and safety important for babies and young children?
Children age 2 and younger are not yet able to understand and recognize many dangers that threaten their physical safety. Parents must take measures to keep babies and young children safe from everyday hazards both inside and outside of the home.
Also, infants and young children are continually exposed to a variety of germs. Children age 2 and younger have immature immune systems, which makes them vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. They also are at greater risk of developing complications from these infections. You can help limit your child's exposure to germs by practicing good hygiene.
What are the most common safety hazards?
Car accidents and drowning are the leading causes of injury and death for children age 2 and younger.1, 2 Other common injuries include:
- Burns.
- Choking or strangulation.
- Falls, such as from playground equipment, stairs, or furniture.
- Poisoning.
- Gunshot wounds.
- Pet bites.
How can I protect my child from illness?
Many illnesses can be prevented by avoiding close contact with people who are sick, frequently washing your child's hands, regularly washing and disinfecting toys and surfaces, and ensuring that your child's immunizations are current.
You can help protect your child from food-borne illness by preparing, serving, and storing food safely. For example, keep meat separate from other foods and cook it to the recommended internal temperature, refrigerate leftover foods promptly, and be selective about restaurants where you eat.
What kinds of equipment can be hazardous?
Any equipment you purchase for your child should meet all safety standards and be in good condition. Car seats, cribs, strollers, playpens, and high chairs are all frequently used by infants and toddlers up to age 2. If you purchase or are given used equipment, make sure it meets current safety standards and has not had any safety recalls. (You can check recall information online or by calling the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For contact information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic). Also, inspect items for worn or broken parts.
Supervise your child closely while using equipment shared by the public, such as shopping carts or restaurant high chairs, which may meet only very minimal safety standards. Also, cleaning the surfaces of shared equipment with disposable wipes can help you prevent your child from being exposed to viruses and bacteria.
How can my stress level affect my child's safety?
Most injuries to children occur when parents are tired, hungry, emotionally drained, or are having relationship difficulties. Other common causes of family stress include changes in daily routines, moving to a new house, or expecting another child.
Having and protecting a child is an immense responsibility and can be extremely stressful for some parents. It is important to take care of yourself and to recognize your limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about health and safety issues:
Protection against harmful germs:
Identifying household hazards:
Identifying hazards outside of the home:
The importance of parental self-care:
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: March 13, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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