Baby Safety Guide
Last reviewed:
Content reviewed against published AAP, CPSC, Safe Kids Worldwide guidelines
Evidence-based safety guidance to protect your child at every stage. Based on AAP, CPSC, and Safe Kids Worldwide recommendations.
Key takeaways
- Always place baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with nothing in the crib
- Choking is the leading cause of injury death in children under 4 — cut round foods lengthwise
- Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 — never leave a child unattended near water
- Rear-facing car seats are recommended as long as possible, at least until age 2
- Furniture tip-overs kill a child every 2 weeks — anchor all tall furniture to the wall
- Save Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Safety guides by topic
Kitchen Safety
Cabinet locks, stove guards, appliance safety, and poisoning prevention
Bathroom Safety
Drowning prevention, water temperature, toilet locks, and medicine storage
Nursery Safety
Crib standards, safe sleep setup, furniture anchoring, and window safety
Water Safety
Bathtub, pool, and beach safety. Drowning prevention and swim lessons
Car Seat Safety
Rear-facing vs forward-facing, installation, common mistakes, and transitions
Choking Prevention
Food and non-food hazards by age, safe food preparation, and response
Poison Prevention
Medicines, cleaning products, button batteries, toxic plants, and emergency response
Fall Prevention
Furniture anchoring, stair gates, changing tables, and window guards
Burns and Scalds
Hot water, kitchen burns, electrical burns, sunburn, and first aid
Outdoor and Playground
Safe surfaces, equipment, sun protection, insects, and age-appropriate play
Pet Safety
Introducing pets to babies, supervision rules, bite prevention, and hygiene
Travel Safety
Airplane safety, road trips, hotel baby-proofing, and international travel
Safety tools
Baby-Proofing Checklist
Room-by-room safety checklist by developmental stage
Car Seat Guide
Find the right car seat type for your child's age and size
First Aid Guide
Infant and toddler CPR, choking response, and emergency care
Emergency Contacts
Store important numbers for quick access in emergencies
Product Safety
Current recalls and safety standards for baby products
How do I reduce the risk of SIDS?
The AAP safe sleep guidelines reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths:
- Back to sleep — always place baby on their back for every sleep
- Firm, flat surface — use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard with a tight-fitting sheet
- Nothing in the crib — no blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose bedding
- Room sharing — baby should sleep in your room but on their own surface for at least the first 6 months
- No overheating — dress baby in no more than one layer more than you would wear
- Pacifier at sleep time — offer a pacifier once breastfeeding is established
- No inclined sleepers — these have been recalled due to infant deaths
How do I prevent my baby from choking?
Choking is the leading cause of injury and death in children under 4. Prevention by age:
- Under 12 months: No hard, round, or sticky foods. Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, and hot dogs lengthwise. No whole nuts, popcorn, or raw carrots.
- 12-36 months: Continue cutting round foods. Supervise all meals. Sit upright while eating — never eat while walking, playing, or in the car.
- All ages: Keep small objects (coins, batteries, magnets, balloons) out of reach. Check toys for small parts. Learn infant/toddler choking response.
How do I keep my baby safe around water?
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4.
- Never leave a child unattended near water — even for a moment
- Bathtubs, buckets, and toilets are drowning hazards for young children
- Install a four-sided fence with self-closing gate around pools
- Empty kiddie pools immediately after use
- Learn CPR — seconds matter in a drowning emergency
- Swim lessons can begin at age 1, but do not replace supervision
How do I prevent poisoning in my home?
- Store medicines, cleaning products, and chemicals in locked cabinets
- Keep products in original containers with child-resistant caps
- Save the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222
- Button batteries and laundry pods are especially dangerous — store out of sight and reach
- Some common houseplants are toxic if ingested
What car seat does my child need?
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Proper car seat use is critical:
- Rear-facing as long as possible (at least until age 2 or the seat's height/weight limit)
- Forward-facing with a harness once the child outgrows rear-facing limits
- Booster seat when the child outgrows the forward-facing harness
- Always read both the car seat manual and your vehicle manual
- Get your installation checked — most fire stations and hospitals offer free inspections
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest sleeping position for babies?
At what age is choking most dangerous?
When can my child face forward in the car seat?
What should I do if my child swallows something dangerous?
When should I start baby-proofing?
What is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4?
Bottom line
Most childhood injuries are preventable. Baby-proofing your home, following safe sleep guidelines, and using car seats correctly are the most impactful safety steps you can take. Update your safety measures as your baby grows and becomes more mobile.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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