Infant (12-months and younger)
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Injuries are among the leading causes of death and hospitalization among children aged 0-12 months. Injuries among infants are specific with common causes. Injuries are never an "accident" and do not occur at random. However, with proper layers of protection and prevention efforts, injuries are 100% preventable.
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A Brief Summary of Prevention Tips
By implementing the following safety measures, parents and caregivers can significantly reduce risks and promote a safe caregiving environment for infants. Because these are general safety tips, we urge parents and caregivers to visit Car Seat Safety, correct head positioning in car seats, and Parent Central for additional safety recommendations that prevent these specific causes.
Drowning:
Infants commonly drown in bathtubs, or other bathing locations, or shallow water if left unattended. Always supervise infants during bath time.
Pedestrian (Backover):
Infants can be at risk of being hit by vehicles backing up, especially in driveways, once they learn to crawl and often through open doors or doggy doors. Never leave infants unattended in driveways or near parked vehicles. Always supervise outside and ensure cars are turned off and keys are out of reach when not in use.
Motor Vehicle - Occupant:
Infants require age-appropriate car seats installed correctly in the back seat. Never leave an infant alone in a vehicle and always secure them properly during travel. Avoid distractions when driving with an infant.
Falls:
Most falls among infants are falls from changing tables, due to brief laps in supervision, or inappropriate changing locations such as beds of sofas. Other injuries are due to drops from handing an infant from one adult to another or to an older child such as a sibling or drops from a car seat, Infants are also prone to falls, especially once they learn to crawl. Use safety gates at stairs, secure furniture to walls, and never leave infants unattended on elevated surfaces. Keep play areas safe and free of hazards.
Poisoning:
Infants may ingest toxic substances if accessible. Keep medications, cleaning products, plants, and chemicals out of reach and in locked cabinets. Use child-proof containers and never refer to medications as "candy." Remember, once infants learn to crawl, they spend a lot of time on the floor and can pick dangerous items up on the floor during a lapse in supervision. By being vigilant and implementing these prevention strategies, parents can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and keep their infants safe.
Suffocation:
Keep sleep surfaces free of pillows, stuffed animals, and heavy blankets. Always place infants on their backs to sleep in a firm, flat sleep surface, and avoid overheating. Remove soft bedding and ensure the sleep environment is safe. Infants also can suffocate in car seats when not properly restrained.
Infants commonly drown in bathtubs, or other bathing locations, or shallow water if left unattended. Always supervise infants during bath time.
Pedestrian (Backover):
Infants can be at risk of being hit by vehicles backing up, especially in driveways, once they learn to crawl and often through open doors or doggy doors. Never leave infants unattended in driveways or near parked vehicles. Always supervise outside and ensure cars are turned off and keys are out of reach when not in use.
Motor Vehicle - Occupant:
Infants require age-appropriate car seats installed correctly in the back seat. Never leave an infant alone in a vehicle and always secure them properly during travel. Avoid distractions when driving with an infant.
Falls:
Most falls among infants are falls from changing tables, due to brief laps in supervision, or inappropriate changing locations such as beds of sofas. Other injuries are due to drops from handing an infant from one adult to another or to an older child such as a sibling or drops from a car seat, Infants are also prone to falls, especially once they learn to crawl. Use safety gates at stairs, secure furniture to walls, and never leave infants unattended on elevated surfaces. Keep play areas safe and free of hazards.
Poisoning:
Infants may ingest toxic substances if accessible. Keep medications, cleaning products, plants, and chemicals out of reach and in locked cabinets. Use child-proof containers and never refer to medications as "candy." Remember, once infants learn to crawl, they spend a lot of time on the floor and can pick dangerous items up on the floor during a lapse in supervision. By being vigilant and implementing these prevention strategies, parents can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and keep their infants safe.
Suffocation:
Keep sleep surfaces free of pillows, stuffed animals, and heavy blankets. Always place infants on their backs to sleep in a firm, flat sleep surface, and avoid overheating. Remove soft bedding and ensure the sleep environment is safe. Infants also can suffocate in car seats when not properly restrained.
