As moms, we pour so much energy into keeping our little ones safe and healthy—it can feel like a full-time job in itself. But even with all the love and vigilance in the world, things can still slip through the cracks (because, let’s be honest, motherhood doesn’t come with pause buttons or perfect checklists).
That’s why Baby Safety Month each September is the perfect opportunity for a reset. It’s a chance to slow down, revisit the basics, and pick up a few fresh tips—some you may not have thought about before—to help keep our babies and toddlers protected.
This guide blends expert-backed advice with real-life reminders so you feel both confident and supported in protecting your little one.
1. Safe Sleep: The ABCs That Save Lives
📊 Fact: In 2022, approximately 3,700 infants died from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), including SIDS and accidental suffocation (CDC).
The safest approach is simple:
- Alone: Always place your baby in their own sleep space.
- Back: Always put baby on their back for naps and nighttime.
- Crib: Use a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet—no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals.
- Temperature: Keep the room comfortable and dress baby in one more layer than you.
💡 Yes, it feels like overkill sometimes, but these simple ABCs truly save lives.
2. Car Seat Safety: Expiration Dates & Common Mistakes
📊 Fact: Nearly 46% of car seats and boosters are installed incorrectly (NHTSA). Car seats also expire after 6–10 years due to material breakdown (AAP).
Tips:
- Register your car seat to receive recall notices.
- Use the inch test (seat shouldn’t move more than 1”).
- Use the pinch test (harness snug at shoulders, chest clip at armpit level).
- Check expiration dates and avoid expired or second-hand seats with unknown history.
3. Water Safety: Just Inches Can Be Deadly
📊 Fact: Drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1–4 (CDC). It can happen in as little as 2 inches of water—in a bath, toilet, bucket, or fountain.
Tips:
- Never leave baby unattended near water, not even for a moment.
- Drain tubs immediately after use.
- Install a 4-sided fence around pools to reduce drowning risk by 83% (CDC).
- Formal swim lessons for ages 1–4 can reduce drowning risk by 88% (AAP).
👉 Bonus tip: Water at just 120°F (49°C) can burn a child in under 5 minutes (American Burn Association). Set your water heater accordingly and always test bath water with your wrist or elbow.
4. Fall Prevention: Everyday Hazards at Home
📊 Fact: Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among children in the U.S., sending 8,000 kids to ERs every day (CDC).
Tips:
- Anchor heavy furniture and TVs with anti-tip kits.
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Keep one hand on baby at the changing table.
- Never place bouncers, rockers, or car seats on raised surfaces.
🚫 Pediatric associations recommend avoiding baby walkers—they are unsafe and increase fall risks (AAP).
5. Choking Risks: Foods & Everyday Objects
📊 Fact: Choking is a leading cause of injury and death in children under 3 (AAP). An object is a hazard if it fits through a toilet paper roll.
Tips:
- Objects: Keep coins, button batteries, marbles, balloons, and small toy parts out of reach.
- Food: Avoid nuts, popcorn, hard candy, and whole grapes. Always cut food lengthwise (e.g., grapes, hot dogs) into manageable pieces.
- Always supervise meals and make sure kids sit upright while eating.
💡 If you’ve ever cut grapes into eighths, you’re in good company—we’ve all been there.
6. Babyproofing Basics: Simple Newborn Safety Tips for a Safer Home
📊 Fact: Each year, thousands of children are injured in tip-over accidents and household hazards (CPSC).
Tips:
- Secure all heavy furniture and TVs.
- Use outlet covers and keep cords/blind strings out of reach.
- Install safety gates for stairs and locks for unsafe rooms.
- Store cleaning products, medications, and batteries in locked cabinets.
- Always supervise baby with pets, even trusted family pets.
Stay Informed Year-Round
Baby safety isn’t just a one-month focus—it’s ongoing. That’s why we created our Baby Safety Recalls Blog, updated regularly with the latest product recalls and safety alerts. It’s an easy way to stay educated, informed, and in the know as a parent.
👉 Follow our Baby Safety Recalls Blog
Your Most Common Baby Safety Questions, Answered
Safe Sleep Practices & SIDS Prevention
Q: How do I put my baby to sleep safely?
A: Follow the “ABCs” every time. Alone, on their Back, in a Crib. Keep the crib empty except for a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
Q: When should I stop swaddling my baby?
A: Stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling (around 2–4 months). Swaddling beyond this increases suffocation risk.
Q: Is co-sleeping (bed-sharing) safe?
A: No. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against bed-sharing. Instead, room-share with a crib or bassinet in your room for at least 6 months.
Car Seat Installation & Use
Q: How do I know if my car seat is installed correctly?
A: Use the inch test (seat moves less than 1”) and pinch test (no slack at shoulders). The chest clip should be at armpit level.
Q: Where can I find a certified car seat technician?
A: Use the tool at Safe Kids Worldwide. Many fire stations, hospitals, and AAA offices also offer free checks.
Choking Hazards & Baby-Led Weaning Safety
Q: What are common food choking hazards for babies?
A: Grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, and hard candy. Always cut into small pieces and supervise meals.
Q: What about non-food choking hazards?
A: Coins, batteries, marbles, buttons, and balloons are major risks. Use the toilet paper roll test to check object size.
Q: Is baby-led weaning safe?
A: Yes, when done correctly. Baby should be ~6 months old, seated upright, and given soft finger-sized foods. Always supervise and know infant CPR basics.
Fever & Illness Management
Q: When should I call the doctor for a fever?
A: If baby is under 3 months and has a rectal temp of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher—call immediately. For older babies, call if fever is very high, persistent, or paired with other symptoms.
✨ Bonus for Baby Safety Month
We know it’s a lot to take in, so we created a FREE one-page Baby Safety Checklist you can download, print, or stick on your fridge. It’s a simple way to keep the most important reminders right at your fingertips.
👉 Download the Baby Safety Checklist
Final Takeaway
Baby safety isn’t about scaring you—it’s about empowering you with small, consistent habits that make a big impact. With the right knowledge and a few proactive steps, you can relax a little more and enjoy the moments that matter most.
And remember—you don’t have to navigate motherhood alone.
💛 Find your local New Mom School to connect with other moms and experts who truly get it.
📍 No location nearby? You might be the one to bring it there—Learn how to open a location in your town
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for health concerns and a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for car seat questions.