Safety will always be important, no matter what stage a baby is in. But while some general safety guidelines will remain the same, the specifics change as a baby develops. With each new skill, you’ll need to look at the surrounding environment again, so you can allow baby to exercise new abilities safely.

Wriggling and rolling

• Support baby’s head whenever changing her and especially when bathing.
• Make the baby’s room off limits to your pet, no matter how cute they seem together.
• “Back to Sleep” is still the rule for SIDS prevention.
• No jogger strollers yet—it’s too early for baby. Be sure the stroller or carriage you use meets safety standards.
• Don’t hold a baby and a container of hot liquid at the same time.

Reaching and grabbing

• Move appliances, breakables, and cords away from bathing and diaper-changing areas.
• If baby is very active, start changing diapers on a surface that is lower to the ground. Otherwise, make sure to keep at least one hand on baby at all times while changing.
• Lower the crib mattress to the middle notch.
• Use a car seat for every outing in any car, and place the car seat in the middle of the back seat, facing backward.
• Bathing is slippery enough as it is. Keep the soap, lotions, and oils completely out of reach.
• Make sure baby is wearing sun-protective hats and long sleeves when you go on outings. Add a touch of sunscreen on baby’s face and hands.

Touching and tasting

• Make sure the high chair has a broad enough base to be completely stable on your floor. Also make sure it has a safety belt to hold your little wiggler.
• Keep cutlery and glasses out of baby’s reach.
• Don’t let baby eat leaves, rocks, or dirt found in the park.
• If you make your own baby food, keep all utensils used in preparation very clean. Freeze food you don’t plan to use right away.

Sitting up and crawling

• Don’t take your eyes off baby for a second. Being mobile makes baby an unstoppable exploring machine.
• Expand the baby-proofing territory to include any part of the house baby may visit.
• Change baby’s diapers on the floor or bed instead of a waist-high surface.
• Keep dangling draperies or shade cords up and well out of reach.
• Use safety latches on all low cupboards, and move all cleaning products to a high, out of reach cabinet (latches aren’t enough).
• Get rid of insect traps, repellents, and poisons on the floor.

Cruising and walking

• Place a soft surface, such as a rug or pad, beneath the crib. That way, if baby does learn how to climb out, bruised knees will be kept to a minimum. And toys thrown overboard won’t break as easily.
• Baby now loves to open and close doors. Watch out for fingers!
• Gate all staircases.
• Make sure windows and screens are secured with stops and locks.
• Keep baby close to you when an unknown animal approaches. Toddlers are very erratic and may upset even the most placid of dogs.