| You need to be vigilant year round about baby | | | | Supply any non-swimmers with regulation life |
| proofing and safety in your home, but the | | | | vests whenever they are around the pool. |
| summer presents some unique challenges. Heat, | | | | Make a "no running" by the pool" rule for the |
| insects, swimming pools and other outdoor items | | | | whole family-it will keep your older kids safe, too! |
| can present a safety hazard to your baby that | | | | Remember that small, inflatable pools require |
| you don't have to worry about any other time of | | | | supervision as well. Fill the pool with only a few |
| the year. If you have a child under two, it is | | | | inches of water so baby can splash, then drain |
| worth it to take a few minutes at the start of | | | | when you are through. Keeping water in the pool |
| the summer season and review some safety tips. | | | | encourages insects and mosquitoes, and algae will |
| In the backyard: | | | | grow on the bottom, making the surface slick and |
| Make sure all outdoor toys and swing sets are in | | | | slippery. |
| good repair. The harsh conditions of winter can | | | | In the sandbox: |
| damage metal and plastic, so these items can be | | | | Make sure your sand is clear of small items like |
| prone to breakage. Make sure everything is in | | | | rocks, which could be swallowed. |
| good working order before heading out to play. | | | | Put a lid on the sandbox-an uncovered box is |
| If you have a fenced in yard, make sure the | | | | very tempting to neighborhood cats and critters-it |
| fence is in good condition, and that the gate has a | | | | looks just like a giant litter box to a cat! |
| lock. Toddlers are expert escape artists, and a | | | | Don't allow your child to eat sand (it happens)! |
| fence with a locked gate can slow them down | | | | While playing outside: |
| enough to keep them safe! | | | | Use a natural bug repellent, or a low-DEET version |
| Make a rule that whenever the baby is outside, a | | | | of bug spray to keep the mosquitoes and other |
| responsible adult must be outside to supervise, | | | | stinging, biting bugs away. |
| and never leave the baby alone in the yard-not | | | | Use a 50 SPF sunblock to keep your baby burn |
| even to dash into the house to get a drink or | | | | free, and reapply often, especially when your child |
| answer the phone. | | | | is playing in water. |
| A responsible teen can watch the baby, but don't | | | | Make sure your baby wears shoes to protect her |
| leave her in the care of older siblings if they are | | | | feet from sharp items in the grass or one the |
| under the age of 12. | | | | sidewalk. |
| By the pool: | | | | Keeping your baby safe in the summer can be a |
| Make sure your in-ground pool has a gate with a | | | | challenge-but by preparing in advance, and being |
| latch, and again, never let the baby in the yard or | | | | aware of the potential hazards, you can have an |
| around the pool without supervision. | | | | accident-free season this year. |