Car safety

• Use a car seat or booster until your child can properly fit in a seat belt, usually between nine and 12 years of age. Children should sit in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.

• Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

• Focus on the road, and don't text and drive. Even hands-free phones increase the risk of a crash.

• Parent resource: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS)

Poisoning

• Call the National Capital Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) or 911 immediately if you think your child has swallowed something that could be dangerous.

• Don't give your child syrup of ipecac.

• Parent resource: National Capital Poison Center (http://www.poison.org)

Suffocation

• Place children younger than one year on their backs to sleep.

• Make sure cribs and child beds meet the latest safety guidelines and are put together correctly.

• Use the correct size mattress for your child's crib. Use sheets that fit tightly.

• Remove objects from beds and play areas that could strangle or trap your child, like cords and strings.

• Parent resource: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission crib guidelines (http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html)

Drowning

• A fence that blocks the pool from the rest of the yard is best.

• Stay in the water and close enough to touch your child whenever he or she is swimming.

• Use only flotation devices that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many armbands and rings are not meant to keep your child from drowning.

• Always have a phone by the pool so you can call 911 in an emergency.

• Enroll your child in swimming lessons at four years old.

• Learn CPR in case your child stops breathing.

• Parent resource: U.S. Coast Guard recommendations for choosing a flotation device (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp#selection)

Fire safety

• Install smoke detectors and check them regularly to make sure they are working.

• Make a home fire escape plan. Practice with your family so that your child knows what to do if a fire happens.

• Don't keep matches and lighters where children can reach them.

• Don't smoke or allow others to smoke in your house.

• Parent resource: National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org and http://www.sparky.org)

Falls

• Don't let your child use a walker unless your doctor recommends it for special needs.

• Don't use bunk beds for children six years and younger.

Bicycle safety

• Be sure children wear helmets for activities like bicycling, skating, and skiing.

• Be a good example by using helmets and safety equipment yourself.

• Parent resource: FamilyDoctor.org (https://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/exercise-fitness/sports-safety/bike-safety-tips.html)

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

AAFP's Patient Education Resource

• https://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/home-safety/child-safety-keeping-your-home-safe-for-your-baby.html

Safe Kids USA

• http://www.safekids.org