A–Z Glossary

Medication safety

Practices that prevent unsafe access, dosing changes, or use of medication without explicit instructions from a responsible adult.

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Effects on baby safety and monitoring of medications

Effects on baby safety and monitoring of medications

Why medication safety is different for newborns Medication safety in babies begins with a central principle: neonatal physiology changes the risk profile of almost every drug. A newborn has higher total body water, lower fat stores, variable protein binding, immature hepatic enzyme activity, and developing renal clearance. Premature babies have even less reserve, and critically […]

Common safety mistakes parents make

Common safety mistakes parents make

Assuming familiarity equals safety One of the most common mistakes is underestimating a hazard because it is part of everyday life. A coffee table, staircase, kitchen appliance, driveway, or bath may feel controlled to an adult, but a young child has different proportions, reflexes, balance, and risk awareness. Developmental changes can also make yesterday’s precautions […]

Creating home-alone safety rules for children

Creating home-alone safety rules for children

Assess readiness as a set of skills There is no universally safe age at which every child can stay home alone. A more useful approach is to assess specific abilities. The child should generally be able to follow several-step instructions, recognize unsafe situations, use a telephone or approved communication device, and seek help when a […]