Pre-school | Safety

Whether you're hiking, fishing, or camping, here's what you need to know about sunscreens, snacking, clothing, and safety -- plus why you should teach your child to hug a tree if he gets lost.
Outdoor fun and safety with your preschooler

We are going to paint the rooms in our house and I have a 1-year-old and a 2-month-old baby. Isn't the paint smell dangerous for them?
Read Will the smell of paint harm my 1-year-old and 2-month-old?

Safety Check Burns can happen when you least expect them to, so it's worth remaining vigilant around the home. Young skin is much more sensitive than adult skin and can burn more easily. This is why sun protection - in the form of total block or Factor 30 at the very least - must be applied to any exposed areas on warm days. But water temperature, hot radiators and cooked food can also pose a burn hazard to your toddler.
Read How to reduce the risk of accidental burns

Driving with Toddlers Rule Number 1: don't forget the entertainment - keep a few books and toys in the car to keep boredom at bay. Rule Number 2: Fit sunshields to the windows as harmful rays can penetrate through glass.
Read Is your little one safe in the car?

One of the most important jobs of a parent is to protect your child. From creating a safe environment in the crib, to teaching your preschooler to cross the street, here's how to keep your child safe from birth to 3 years.
Important safety tips to protect your child

Poison Prevention Most medicine bottles are fitted with child-safe lids nowadays, and you've spent the last three years being continually reminded of hazards in the home. Nevertheless, there are always risks out there, and knowledge is power. So take a moment to review your family's safety measures.
Read How to protect your child from common poisonous substances

My husband's childless stepmother has been "infatuated" (her word) with my 6-year-old "Jane" since Jane's birth. She regularly gives lots of gifts to Jane, but none to my 5-year-old. She tells Jane, "Uh-oh, here comes mummy!" "Do you want me to rescue you from your mummy?" She once yanked Jane out of my arms and ran off into the woods. Another time, she flung Jane 15 feet across the floor. (Both times she was angry at me.) She's invited herself to our house about every other weekend for four years. We've talked to her many times. Nothing changes. What should I do?
Read My mother-in-law is obsessed with my daughter -- what should I do?

Headed to the pool, beach, or water park? Small children can drown in just a couple of inches of water, and they often slip under without a sound. Learn how to keep your child safe in the water so you can all have fun!
Learn important water safety tips

My 3-year-old won't stay in his car seat. He always manages to get out. Every morning we have a big fight when it's time to go to nursery and I have to get to work. This is making me crazy. Help!
Read How can I make my 3-year-old stay in his car seat?

My 3-year-old has become an escape artist. He wakes up early in the morning before anyone is up and tries to get out of the house. During the day, every chance he gets, he sneaks out of the back door or out of his window, which we no longer leave open, and goes off down the road. He always heads towards the park and says he is going for a walk. I cannot express the fear you feel when all of a sudden you cannot find your child. Why does he do this, and what can we say in order to get through to him that this is not OK?
Read My 3-year-old is an escape artist. How can I stop this?

My daughter is 22 months old. She's afraid to be near my sister's Labrador retriever. If you put the dog in another room, though, she cries and asks for the dog. How do we help her overcome her fears?
Read My 22-month-old is afraid of dogs -- how can we help her?

My son is 19 months old and climbs the stairs fairly well. We have an open staircase - one false move and he could be on the basement stairs. It's dangerous, but I hate to discourage him from climbing stairs, since our house has three levels. Is there a device made to protect children from falling through the stairs?
Read Is there a device to protect children from falling through the stairs?