Start babyproofing BEFORE baby is mobile (around 4-6 months) - babies develop skills suddenly. Most injuries happen at home. Common dangers: falls, drowning, poisoning, burns, choking, suffocation. Get down on hands and knees to see home from baby's perspective - reveals hidden dangers.

Babywearing with carriers, wraps, or slings is safe when done correctly. Improper babywearing can cause suffocation, falls, or hip problems. TICKS rule for safe babywearing: Tight (fabric snug), In view (see baby's face), Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest (airway open), Supported back (baby's back supported). Greatest risk: Newborns in slings or wraps where baby's face can be pressed against carrier or parent's body, blocking airway. Always see baby's face.

Car crashes are leading cause of death for children. Proper car seat use reduces death risk by 71% for infants. Rear-facing as long as possible (minimum 2 years, ideally until child maxes out seat limits). Rear-facing protects head, neck, and spine in crash. Never use used car seat unless you know full history (no accidents, not expired, has manual). Car seats expire 6-10 years from manufacture.

Choking is leading cause of injury/death in children under 4. Baby's airway is diameter of a drinking straw - small objects easily block it. High-risk foods: hot dogs, grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chunks of meat, chunks of cheese, raw vegetables, marshmallows, peanut butter globs. Non-food hazards: coins, buttons, batteries, balloons, small toy parts, magnets.

Over 300 children are treated in ERs daily for poisoning. Peak age: 1-3 years when children are mobile and explore by putting things in mouth. Common poisons: medications (even vitamins - iron), cleaning products, laundry pods, batteries, plants, cosmetics, essential oils. Save Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222 (call immediately if poisoning suspected).

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is unexplained death of baby under 1 year, usually during sleep. Peak risk: 2-4 months. ABC's of safe sleep: Alone, on Back, in Crib. • Alone: No blankets, pillows, toys, bumpers in crib • Back: Always place baby on back for every sleep • Crib: Firm mattress with fitted sheet only Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) reduces SIDS risk by 50%. Safe sleep reduces SIDS risk by 70%+.

Swaddling (wrapping baby snugly) can calm fussy babies and improve sleep. Mimics womb environment and prevents startle reflex from waking baby. MUST be done safely: Hips loose, not too tight around chest, always on back, stop when baby shows signs of rolling. Unsafe swaddling increases risk of hip dysplasia (tight around hips) and SIDS (if baby rolls to stomach while swaddled).

Drowning is leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. Can happen in seconds, silently, in as little as 1 inch of water. Most drownings happen in pools, but bathtubs, buckets, toilets also dangerous for babies. Babies can't hold head up if face-down in water. 'Touch supervision' required - adult within arm's reach at all times in/near water.