Unintentional brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children. Parents may not always be able to keep their children from getting hurt, but there are some simple things they can do to make injury less likely. Protecting a child's head from falls and motor vehicle crashes is one of the most important things. Please take a few minutes to read through the information below.

A parent's role as a protector:
At this age, children rely completely on their parents and other caregivers to provide for their safety. The following are actions that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of a child sustaining an injury:

• Use safety devices such as smoke detectors and car seats.
• Alter the child's environment by doing things such as removing pillows and blankets from it's crib.
• Provide constant supervision. Children should be watched at all times and placed in a stationary walker or stable playpen when they cannot be placed in their crib. This is especially true if an older child is in the house. This will allow the older child his or her appropriate freedom with movement and toys and still protect the infant.

It is our hope that the following information can assist parents and other caregivers in creating a warm, nurturing and safe environment for children.

General Areas of risk at this age:

Car Crashes:
At this age, infants are much safer in a child safety seat in the event of a crash. Children should ride in a correctly installed rear facing car seat in the back seat of a car. For more information on child passenger safety, visit www.safekidscharmeck.org, www.nhtsa.gov or call 704-336-7233.

Falls:
Children learn to move and push against things early on and even the smallest of these movements may could result in a fall. An infant should never leave your baby alone on any elevated surface.

Burns:
Never carry your baby and hot liquids, foods or other hot items should never be carried at the same time. Hot water heater should be set to a maximum of 120 degrees to reduce likelihood of burns, and infants should be protected from house fire burns by the installation and regular testing of smoke alarm. For more information on fire prevention, visit www.charlottefire.org.

Choking/Suffocation:
Babies learn by touching and tasting objects, so small objects should never be left within their reach. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, babies should be put to sleep on their backs in cribs (never a water bed, couch or co-sleeping with a parent). Stuffed animals and big blankets should never be put in cribs with infants. For more information on safe sleep, visit www.nchealthystart.org.

Drowning:
At this age children are drawn to water. All standing water in and around an infant's home in pails, bathtubs and pools should be emptied. All pools should have a fence around all four sides that is locked with a child proof latching system. Children should never be left alone near water, even for a moment. Children should wear appropriate personal flotation devices when near pools and large bodies of water.

Poisoning:
Safety locks should be used on cabinets with cleaners, medicines and other toxic chemicals. Remember, children don't know the difference between these items and candy or juice at this age. Yards and houses where children are present should be inspected and all poisonous plants should be removed. If a poisoning is expected, call 1-800-222-1222. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.ncpoisoncenter.org.

Children who have had an injury in the past, a developmental delay of some type or are in homes with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health issues may be at greater risk for injury and may require additional protective measures.

For more information on childhood injuries locally visit www.carolinasinjuryprevention.com or www.safekidscharmeck.org. For national information visit www.cdc.gov, www.usa.safekids.org, or www.aap.org.

If a child stays with other caregivers outside its home, ensure the same guidelines for safety are followed at that house.

This article is provided strictly as a service and for informational purposes. Carolinas Medical Center makes no representations or warranties about the information in this article and this article is not intended to replace any advice or information from your pediatrician. This article does not guarantee that an infant or child will not suffer injury or death even if all guidelines are followed.