Fall 2025 Pink&Blue Birmingham

Gate it off: Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs and block off rooms you don’t want baby entering solo. Toddling & Beyond (12 Months+) With a little more independence comes new safety concerns. Toddlers are climbers, explorers, and fast movers, so your job becomes antici- pating risks and teaching basic safety skills along the way. Strap it down: Secure dressers, bookshelves, and other climbable furniture to the wall to prevent tip- overs. Watch for water: Drowning can happen in just inches of water —never leave a toddler unattended near tubs, toilets, or buckets. Also, make sure pools are fenced in and secured. Empty kiddie pools and water play areas. Keep exploring safe: Teach basic

start rolling! Keep floors clean and clear of hazards like coins, batteries, or small toys from older siblings. Check baby gear weight limits: Swings, bouncers, and carriers all have age and weight guidelines— don’t exceed them. Mobile Baby (6–12 Months): Crawlers & Cruisers Once your baby is on the move, ev- erything becomes fair game. Crawl- ers love cords, cabinets, and any- thing they can pull up on. Creating safe zones and being consistent with boundaries helps your baby explore Get on your hands and knees to spot sharp corners, cords, and breakables within reach. Lock it up: Use cabinet locks for anything with cleaning products, medicine, or sharp tools. while keeping risks low. Babyproof at their level:

safety like staying away from ovens, not touching outlets, and gentle pet interaction. Bonus Safety Tips for All Ages No matter how old your baby is, a few safety strategies apply across the board. Having a plan, staying calm, and trusting your instincts can help you respond to the unexpected with confidence. Know emergency numbers: Have pediatrician, poison control, and emergency contacts saved in your phone and posted somewhere visible. Take an infant CPR class: This can be life-saving knowledge—and help you feel more confident. Trust your gut: If something feels off, ask questions, call your pediatri- cian, or get a second opinion.

FALL 2025 | PINK&BLUE

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