Written by: Adrianna Alejandro, Marketing Campaign Manager
This September, Childcare Network is proud to recognize Baby Safety Month by providing families with practical, advanced tips to keep little ones safe. While safety is always a priority for parents, this month is an opportunity to spotlight key areas where small adjustments can make a lasting difference.
This month, we’re sharing expert-backed tips in four essential areas:
- Sleep Safety
- Childproofing Your Home
- Car Seat Safety
- Fall Prevention
These aren’t just reminders of the basics; they’re actionable steps you may not have thought of before. Our goal is to empower parents with knowledge, reduce risks, and help babies learn, explore, and thrive in safer environments. With that in mind, here are this week’s safety tips to help keep your little ones protected:
Sleep Safety Tips
Ensuring your baby has a safe sleep environment is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Here are three proven practices to follow:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a flat, firm surface. This remains the safest sleeping position for infants. Babies can doze off in their car seats, swings, or bouncers, but these aren’t safe for extended sleep because of airway positioning.
- Room-share, don’t bed-share. Keep your baby in the same room for at least 6–12 months, but always on their own sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet. Position it within arm’s reach for convenience and safety.
- Avoid overheating. Keep the nursery between 68–72°F (20-22.22ºC) and use a wearable blanket instead of loose bedding.
- Consider offering a pacifier at bedtime. Research shows this may reduce the risk of SIDS, even if it falls out once your baby is asleep. If you’re concerned about interference with breastfeeding, you can wait 3-4 weeks before introducing it.
- Check for hidden hazards. Ensure monitors, cords, or window coverings are at least 3 feet from the crib. Remove items like decals or tags that could detach and pose a choking risk.
By following these steps, you’ll create a safe, comfortable environment that helps your baby rest securely—and gives you greater peace of mind.
Childproofing Safety Tips
Your home is your child’s first playground, but it’s also full of hidden risks. By taking a proactive approach, you can create a secure environment where curiosity is encouraged, not feared.
Here are three often-overlooked childproofing tips:
- Secure entry points. Install sturdy gates at stairs and doorways to block off danger zones.
- Protect curious hands. Use outlet covers, doorknob covers, and cabinet latches to prevent access to hazard areas. Add door stoppers or pinch guards to doors or cabinets so little fingers don’t get caught.
- Anchor furniture and TVs. Even small dressers and flat-screen TVs can tip if climbed on. Anti-tip brackets add an essential layer of safety.
- Be mindful of blind cords. Cordless window coverings are the safest. If you have cords, use wind-ups or cleats to keep them completely out of reach of little hands.
- See the world from their perspective. Get down on your hands and knees to spot risks you might otherwise miss—dangling cords, small items, low shelves, or sharp corners become much more obvious from a child’s perspective.
A quick seasonal walk-through of your home can help you catch risks before they turn into accidents.
Car Seat Safety Tips
A properly installed car seat is one of the best protections your child has in the event of a crash. However, correct use is key.
Here are three vital reminders for parents:
- Keep your child rear-facing until at least age two, or until they exceed the seat’s weight/height limit.
- Check the harness fit. Straps should be snug (pass the “pinch test”), with the chest clip at armpit level. In cold weather, buckle your child in light clothing, then place a blanket over the harness for warmth.
- Check your car seat’s expiration date. Most expire 6–10 years after manufacture due to wear and safety standard changes.
- Avoid aftermarket add-ons. Products not sold with the seat (extra padding, head supports, strap covers) may interfere with crash performance and aren’t safety-tested with your model.
- Register your seat. Many parents skip this step, but it’s the only way you’ll be notified of recalls directly from the manufacturer.
Important Update for Parents: A new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulation will take effect December 5, 2026, requiring improved side-impact protection in car seats. While not mandatory until then, it’s worth checking with your manufacturer to ensure your child’s seat meets the latest safety standards.
Want professional help with car seat installation? NHTSA maintains a directory of inspection stations where certified technicians can check your seat for free. Find one here: https://bit.ly/3U0u80h
Fall Prevention Safety Tips
As babies grow, so does their ability to climb, reach, and explore. Falls are among the most common causes of injury in young children, but they’re also highly preventable.
Here are three proactive steps parents can take:
- Secure rugs and mats. Non-slip pads keep rugs and foam play mats from sliding, reducing tripping hazards.
- Lower the crib mattress early. As soon as your baby begins to pull up, adjust the mattress height to prevent climbing falls.
- Rearrange climbable furniture. Keep ottomans, chairs, and low bookshelves away from windows or counters to prevent climbing-related accidents.
- Mind bath time slips. Use non-slip mats inside tubs and keep floors dry around sinks and tubs where water may splash.
- Teach safe habits early. Even toddlers can learn to scoot backward down stairs on their belly or bottom, giving them a safer way to navigate before they’re steady on their feet.
Small adjustments like these go a long way towards creating a safer environment as your child’s mobility increases.
Our Commitment to Safety
While Baby Safety Month gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these critical topics, our dedication to child safety extends year-round. From classrooms to playgrounds to car rides home, Childcare Network is committed to helping children learn and grow in safe, nurturing environments.
If you are looking for quality childcare, we invite you to schedule a tour today. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our programs, meet our staff, tour our clean and safe school, and see why many families entrust us to care for their child. Get started today by clicking the button below.
