children in car seats

Safety

Get down on the floor and see things from your child’s viewpoint. Remember children are naturally curious, while adults view the world with caution. Go through your home room by room and look for safety hazards.

Not everything can be mentioned in this guide. Please see other resources listed for more information.

Car Seat Safety

  • Babies and children need a car seat every time they ride in a car
  • Never hold them on your lap
  • Never place your child’s rear-facing car seat in the front seat if your car has an airbag.
    Read car seat instructions carefully for proper installation procedures

Bathroom Safety

  • Always stay with your child when she is in the bath
  • Test the water before you put your baby in
    • Water should feel warm, not hot
    • Lower water tank temperature below 49 degrees Celsius
  • Always keep medication locked away and far out of reach of children.

Kitchen Safety

  • Always check temperature of liquids and solids before serving
  • Keep all poisons (cleaning products, medicine, alcohol, cigarettes) locked up and out of reach of children
  • Keep pot handles facing away from the edge of the stove

Falls

  • Keep a hand on baby while diapering
  • Use safety straps on high chairs, strollers and shopping carts
  • Do not place furniture near windows or balconies.

Choking

  • Always put baby to sleep on her back. Do not use a pillow
  • Keep small pieces and toys out of baby’s reach
  • Check pacifiers regularly for stickiness or cracks: throw away if found.

To find out more about child safety visit BC's Children's Hospital Child Safety.