Keeping Your Little One Safe: A Quick Guide for Ages 0–3

Between the sleepless nights and the nonstop diaper changes, early parenthood is a whirlwind. One day you have a tiny newborn who stays exactly where you put them; the next, you’re chasing a curious explorer who thinks the dog’s bowl is a personal splash pad!

Parenthood is a journey of a million firsts—the first smile, the first step, and the first time they reach for something they shouldn’t. At Birthright, we know that your child’s safety is your top priority.  To help you navigate these rapidly changing stages, we’ve gathered a few "safety hacks" for the 0–3 age range on this blog, covering strollers and nighttime walks, snack time, to bath time. Here are some quick tips to navigating the toddler years with confidence and peace of mind.

Car Seat Safety - Since we’ve covered this topic more in depth in our blog “Protecting Your Most Precious Cargo: A Guide to Car Seat Safety,” remember the golden rule: Rear-facing is safest. Keep them rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of their specific car seat.

Bath Time: Splish-Splash (Safely) - Water safety is a top priority, even in just a few inches of water.

• The "Touch Supervision" Rule: Never leave your child alone in the tub, even for a second to grab a towel. Always stay within arm's reach.

• Check the Temp: Aim for bath water around 98.6°F to 100°F. Your hands are tougher and more heat-resistant than the rest of your body so always test the water with your elbow or the inside of your wrist—it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.

Out and About: Strollers & Walking

• Stroller Savvy: Always buckle the 5-point harness, even if you’re just going for a short walk. It prevents "submarine-ing" (sliding out the bottom).

• Nighttime Visibility: If you’re walking at dusk, treat your stroller like a vehicle. Add reflective tape to the frame and consider a small clip-on light so drivers can see you coming. You should wear light clothing and reflective tape as well.

• The "Hold My Hand" Habit: Start teaching toddlers to hold onto the stroller or your hand the moment their feet hit the pavement.

High-Chair Safety & Eating - Choking is a leading concern for the under-4 crowd.

• Size Matters: Cut food into small, pea-sized pieces. Avoid round, firm foods like whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, or hot dog rounds unless they are quartered lengthwise.

• Sit Still: Ensure your child is buckled into their high- chair and sitting upright while eating. Running while eating is a major choking risk!

Safety Around the House

• The "Toilet Roll" Test: If an object (small toy, lid, or bead) can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it’s a choking hazard for children under 3.

• Anchors Away: Once they start pulling themselves up, anchor heavy furniture (dressers, TVs, bookshelves) to the wall to prevent tip-overs.

• Secure the Hotspots: Use tamper‑resistant outlet covers, install cabinet and drawer locks to keep little hands away from cleaners and sharp tools, and add corner or edge bumpers to soften the blow on low furniture

Pro-Tip: Get down on your hands and knees and crawl through your house. You’ll be surprised at what looks like a "toy" from a toddler’s perspective!

You are not alone. While this list is a great starting point, we know that child safety is a massive topic with new questions popping up at every stage. These tips are just a few ways to help you stay ahead of the curve as your little one grows. If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance, we’re here to help! We offer free online classes from BrightCourse through StandUp Girl on our Birthright website designed to walk you through the specific "ages and stages" of your child's development. These short, flexible lessons provide practical information tailored to exactly where your child is today—and where they’ll be tomorrow.

Whether you’re still in the "newborn fog" or chasing a busy toddler, you’ve got this—and we’ve got you. Click here to check out our free classes or here to reach out to us with any questions!