WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Safety considerations for children

As children grow and develop, the safety of the home needs to be continually checked. Accidental injuries are one of the leading causes of death in children younger than age 5. The following questions can help you determine how your child's skills can affect his or her safety in the home:1

  • How quickly and how far can the child move?
  • How far and how high can the child reach?
  • What household objects attract the child's attention?
  • What is the child learning to do today that he or she could not do before?
  • What can I expect the child to do tomorrow that he or she does not do yet?

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics (2004). Keeping your child safe. In SP Shevlov, RE Hannemann, eds., Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 4th ed., pp. 423–470. New York: Bantam.

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC
- Pediatrics
Last Updated March 13, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 13, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.