A–Z Glossary

Water Safety

Drowning prevention uses close supervision and safety measures to keep a child from becoming submerged or unable to escape water.

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Safe Places to Put Baby During Household Tasks

Safe Places to Put Baby During Household Tasks

Start With the Safest Available Space When a chore requires your full attention or both hands, place your baby in an approved crib, bassinet, or play yard that is appropriate for the baby’s age and current motor skills. For sleep, use a firm, flat, unobstructed surface with the baby positioned on the back, following current […]

Bath safety and supervising children around water

Bath safety and supervising children around water

Why children need close supervision around water Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. It may occur in a bathtub, toilet, bucket, paddling pool, swimming pool, pond, or natural body of water. The World Health Organization identifies children as a higher-risk group, particularly when they are near water […]

Water safety mistakes parents make

Water safety mistakes parents make

Mistake 1: Treating swimming lessons as complete protection Formal lessons can improve water competency, but they do not eliminate drowning risk. A child’s ability may vary with fatigue, illness, water temperature, clothing, currents, unfamiliar surroundings, or the distance to safety. Even a child who swims confidently in a supervised lesson may panic after an unexpected […]

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 […]

Public restroom safety for children

Public restroom safety for children

Why public restrooms require active safety planning Children have different proportions, balance, strength, and risk perception than adults. A toilet that seems stable to an adult may be difficult for a small child to approach, sit on, or stand from safely. A sink may be too high, a hand dryer may startle a child, and […]