Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years

Safety Measures Outside the Home

You cannot protect your child from every danger he or she can possibly encounter outside the home. However, you can take reasonable precautions and teach your child basic safety rules. This general training can help prepare your child for a variety of situations he or she may face.

Prevent accidents by using safe equipment, teaching safety awareness, and closely supervising your child.

• Always use a car seat. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in young children. Many injuries and deaths can be avoided by proper child restraints. Use a rear-facing, safety-approved, and properly installed seat until your child weighs 10 kg (22 lbs.). A forward-facing seat should be used after this point until your child weighs 18 kg (40 lb). For every ride in an automobile, make sure your child is securely strapped into a properly installed car seat that meets all current safety standards. For more information, visit the Travel Canada Web site at www.tc.gc.ca/road/menu.htm.
• Never leave your child alone in a car. Heat inside a car could cause long-lasting injury or death in just minutes. A young child's body temperature can go up 3 to 5 times faster than that of an adult. Keeping the car windows down will not protect your child in hot or warm weather. Other injuries could also occur from a child getting stuck in the trunk or setting the car in motion.
• Help your child become "street smart." Teach your child the basic rules about the dangers of cars and streets.
• Teach proper behaviour around animals. Teach your child how to interact with different types of pets and other animals that he or she may come across while outside your home.
• Begin teaching your young child swimming safety. Knowing proper behaviour while in and around water can help prevent a drowning accident. If you have a swimming pool at home, take safety measures around the pool. If you live near irrigation canals, teach your child not to play in or near them.
• Keep your child safe in strollers and carts. Keep your child restrained, and watch him or her closely.
• Use insect repellents to prevent bites and stings. Also, take action to lower your child's chances of being stung by an insect by having your child wear socks, closed shoes, and clothes that fully cover his or her body when outdoors.

Before your child visits an unfamiliar home, ask the homeowner whether you need to be aware of any dangerous areas, pets, or other safety issues. In addition, it is always a good idea to see the household for yourself. Don't be afraid to voice any concerns you have about safety. You are ultimately responsible for protecting your child.

Before enrolling your child in daycare, evaluate the environment and talk with care providers. Ask questions about their safety guidelines. Identify any hazards, and ask how they are handled. Inspect the food preparation area, and ask how often it is cleaned and what kinds of cleaning products are used. For more information, see the topic Choosing Child Care.

Going along for the ride

When you include your child in your activities, be sure to recognize the related safety issues. Your focus should be on your child's comfort and safety.

• Keep your child safe in strollers and carts. Use the safety straps, and follow the printed instructions. For example, signs on shopping carts usually advise you not to put a child in the area that is reserved for shopping items.
• Never leave your child alone in a car. Factors such as heat inside a car and leaving car keys within a child's reach could cause long-lasting injury or death in just minutes.
• Prevent sunburns by taking extra care, such as applying sunscreen and putting on a hat before going outdoors. In addition, be careful that your child does not develop heat exhaustion from being out in warm temperatures. Small bodies can develop these problems much more quickly than adults. Do not keep your child out in warm weather for long periods, and keep water or other drinks on hand. For more information, see the topics Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses.
• Monitor air pollution when planning to take your child outdoors. Children's lungs are especially sensitive to pollution. You can check your newspaper or local weather station for details about air pollution levels.
• Watch for physical signs that show it's safe to gradually include your child in your activities. When children can run or climb, it's usually a good sign that they are getting stronger and can keep their balance. Before and after these signs appear, use good judgment for your baby's comfort and safety.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: May 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.