Your Child in the World

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When my daughter first got her bicycle, a helmet was part of the deal. She never gets on the bike without putting on her helmet.

—Maria G.

Injury Prevention

More children die from injuries than any other cause. The good news is that most injuries can be prevented by following simple safety guidelines. Talk with your doctor about ways to protect your child from injury.

Safety Guidelines Checklist

Read the list below and check off each guideline that you and your family already follow. Work on those you don't.

Infants and Young Children

	Use a car seat at all times until your child weighs at least 40 pounds.
	Car seats must be properly secured in the back seat, preferably in the middle.
	Keep medicines, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous substances in childproof containers, locked up and out of reach of children.
	Use safety gates across stairways (top and bottom) and guards on windows above the first floor.
	Keep hot water heater temperatures below 120 F.
	Keep unused electrical outlets covered with plastic guards.
	Provide constant supervision for babies using a baby walker. Block the access to stairways and to objects that can fall (such as lamps) or cause burns (such as stoves or electric heaters).
	Keep objects and foods that can cause choking away from your child. This includes things like coins, balloons, small toy parts, hot dogs (unmashed), peanuts, and hard candies.
	Use fences that go all the way around pools, and keep gates to pools locked.

Older Children

	Use car seat belts at all times.
	Children should use a car booster seat until they are tall enough so that the lap belt stays on their hips and the shoulder belt crosses their shoulder.
	Make sure your child wears a helmet while rollerblading or riding a bicycle.
	Make sure your child uses protective equipment for rollerblading and skateboarding (helmet, wrist and knee pads).
	Warn your child of the dangers of using alcohol and drugs. Many driving and sports-related injuries are caused by the use of alcohol and drugs.

For All Ages

	Use smoke detectors in your home. Change the batteries every year and check once a month to see that they work.
	If you have a gun in your home, make sure that the gun and ammunition are locked up separately and kept out of children's reach.
	Never drive after drinking alcohol.
	Use car seat belts at all times.
	Teach your child traffic safety. Children under 9 years of age need supervision when crossing streets.
	Teach your children how and when to call 911.
	Learn basic life-saving skills (CPR).
	Keep a bottle of ipecac at home to treat poisoning. Talk with a doctor or the local Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) before using it. Post the number of the Poison Control Center near your telephone and write it in the space on the "Important Information" form. Also, be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle of ipecac to make sure it is still good.

A Special Message About SIDS. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for infants. Put infants to sleep on their backs to decrease the risk of SIDS.

Tobacco Use

Using tobacco in any form is harmful to you and can harm your child's health. Tobacco use—smoking and/or chewing tobacco—causes cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get infections of the ears, sinuses, and lungs. Smoking in the home may also cause lung cancer in family members who do not smoke.

Discourage your child from using tobacco in any form. If you smoke, ask your doctor about getting help to quit.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is a hidden, serious problem. It can happen in any family. The scars, both physical and emotional, can last a lifetime. Because children can't protect themselves, we must protect them.

Ways To Prevent Child Abuse

• Teach your child not to let anyone touch him or her inappropriately.
• Tell your child to say "No" and run away from sexual touches.
• Take any reports by your child of physical or sexual abuse seriously.
• Report any abuse to your local or State child protection agency.
• Local Hotline:_
• If you feel angry and out of control, leave the room, take a walk, take deep breaths, or count to 100. Don't drink alcohol or take drugs. These can make your anger harder to control. If you are afraid you might harm your child, get help now. Call someone and ask for help. Talk with a friend or relative, other parents, your clergy, or your doctor. Take time for yourself.
• Share child care between parents, trade babysitting with friends, or use day care.

The Teen Years

As your child grows up, he or she will face many important health issues not included in this booklet. Some examples are:

• Alcohol.
• Drugs.
• Sexuality.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
• Birth Control.

Talk to your child's doctor about these important issues—even while your child is still young. You may want to get further assistance from the resources listed on the following pages.

Start early to teach your child to make responsible choices—irresponsible choices can have a lifelong effect. Your child needs you. Take the time to "be there" for your child—listening, advising, and supporting. The rewards will be well worth the effort, now and in the future.

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