Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Walls & Floors, Doors & Windows, Furniture, Stairways: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your walls, floors, furniture, doors, windows, and stairways. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• Gun Safety

  Guns are in many homes, so they're a very real danger to kids, whether you own one or not. Learn how to talk with your kids about gun safety.

• Household Safety Checklists

  Young kids love to explore their homes, but are unaware of the potential dangers. Learn how to protect them with our handy household safety checklists.

• Kitchen: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your kitchen. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• Leaving Your Child Home Alone

  It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs.

• Making the Holidays Safe

  Make the holidays fun and healthy by learning how to protect your kids from these common hazards.

• Medicines: Using Them Safely

  Giving kids medicine safely can be complicated. Here's how you can help treat your child's illness while you prevent dangerous reactions.

• Preventing Burns and Fires

  Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Here's how to protect kids from burns.

• Preventing Choking

  Choking is usually caused by food, toys, and other small objects that can get stuck in a child's windpipe. Read about how to protect kids from choking hazards.

• Preventing Cuts

  It's important to protect kids from sharp and dangerous items around and outside the home. Here are ways to prevent cuts and other injuries.

• Preventing House Fires

  Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips to prevent fires in your home.

• Preventing Injuries From Electrical, Heating, and Cooling Systems

  These simple safety tips can help protect kids from injuries due to electrical, heating, and cooling appliances and systems.

• Preventing Injuries From Falling, Climbing, and Grabbing

  Here's how to help protect kids from a dangerous fall or a tumble into a sharp edge in your home.

• Preventing Poisoning

  From fertilizer to antifreeze and medicines to makeup, poisonous items are throughout our homes. Here's how to protect your kids from ingesting a poisonous substance.

• Preventing Strangulation and Entrapment

  Kids can strangle or become entrapped in the most unexpected ways - even cords, strings on clothing, and infant furniture and accessories can be dangerous. Read how to prevent these dangers around your home.

• Preventing Suffocation

  Because babies aren't yet able to raise their heads, they need special protection from suffocation. But small children are at risk, too. Some simple rules can help you protect them.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products

  Choosing baby products can be confusing, but one consideration must never be compromised: your little one's safety.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Bathtubs

  Baby bathtubs give parents a safe way to wash a wet, slippery baby. Here's how to choose and use one.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Changing Tables

  Babies can get hurt if they fall off changing tables, so they should always be watched closely. Here's what else to know.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Cribs

  When you choose a crib, check it carefully to make sure that your baby's sleep space is safe. Here's how.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Gates

  Gates placed at the top of stairs or in doorways are used to keep toddlers away from hazardous areas of the home. Here's what to look for.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Playpens

  Playpens are popular because parents can put their baby in one knowing that their little one can't wander off. But they're no substitute for adult supervision.

• Choosing Safe Toys

  Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.

• Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids

  Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.

• Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.

• Crib Safety

  Your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib, and it's your job to make sure it's always a safe environment. Here's how to ensure the safety of your littlest sleeper.

• Electrical, Heating & Cooling: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your heating and cooling elements, smoke detectors, and electrical systems. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• First-Aid Kit

  A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept in easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Learn where you should keep a kit and what to put in it.

• Food Safety

  Food safety is important. Here's how to be sure your kitchen and the foods you prepare in it are safe.

• Road Rules for Kids

  Use these tips to teach your kids how to stay safe when riding in a car or on a school bus.

• Rules of the Road for Teen Drivers

  When teens get their driver's license, parents should consider creating their own rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws.

• Staying Healthy While You Travel

  When you're traveling with your kids, there's a chance that someone might get sick. But early planning and smart packing can help ensure your family stays healthy and safe.

• When Can a Child Switch to a Regular Seatbelt?

  Find out when kids can switch to using regular seatbelts.

• Bathroom Water Safety

  Always supervise young kids in the bath to keep them safe. Here are other bathroom water safety tips.

• Protecting Kids From Water & Drowning Hazards

  Water safety is important at any age, but especially if you have babies or toddlers. Here's how to reduce drowning risks.

• Are Infant Walkers Safe?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Backyard and Pool: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your backyard and pool area. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• Bathroom, Laundry, and Garage: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your bathroom, garage, and laundry area. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• Bedrooms: Household Safety Checklist

  Use these checklists to make a safety check of your home, including your nursery, child's room, adult's bedroom. You should answer "yes" to all of these questions.

• Button Battery Safety

  These small, shiny batteries are easy for babies and toddlers to swallow. Learn how to prevent injuries and know what to do if you think your child has swallowed one.

• Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents

  You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under.

• Safety Tips: Basketball

  Basketball is fun - but it's also a contact sport, and injuries happen. To help your kids stay safe on the basketball court, take a look at these safety tips.

• Safety Tips: Football

  Football is a lot of fun, but injuries are common. To keep things as safe as possible on the gridiron, players should follow these tips.

• Safety Tips: Hockey

  As fun as it is, ice hockey carries a very real risk of injury. To keep your kids as safe as possible, follow these tips.

• Safety Tips: Ice Skating

  Ice skating is fun but injuries are a risk. Help your kids follow these safety tips to learn how to skate safely.

• Safety Tips: Lacrosse

  Lacrosse is a fast-moving, fun sport to play and watch. But injuries are bound to happen. Here's how to help players avoid them.

• Safety Tips: Running

  Injuries can be common, and runners should always be aware of their surroundings. These tips can help keep runners safe.

• Safety Tips: Skateboarding

  Skateboarding is undeniably cool, but it's also easy for riders to get hurt. Help your kids keep it safe with these safety tips.

• Safety Tips: Skiing

  Skiing is fun but also has some very real dangers. Make sure your kids follow these safety tips to learn how to stay safe on the slopes.

• Safety Tips: Sledding

  Sledding is a lot of fun, but can also cause injuries, some of them pretty serious. To keep your kids safe while sledding, make sure they follow these safety tips.

• Safety Tips: Snowboarding

  Snowboarding is a great way to have fun and get exercise, but it has some very real dangers. These safety tips can help keep your family safe on the slopes.

• Safety Tips: Wrestling

  In wrestling, injuries are bound to happen sometimes. To keep things as safe as possible, wrestlers should follow these tips

• Booster Seat Safety

  Your tot's not a baby anymore! It's time for a big-kid booster seat. But how can you ensure that your child is still safe and secure in the car? Find out here.

• Car Seat Safety

  Get the car seat know-how you need here.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Carriers

  Babies love and need close contact, and infant carriers are ideal for nestling them against their parents. Here's how to use one safely.

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Infant Seats & Child Safety Seats

  Regular infant seats simply allow young babies to sit up. Never substitute any type of infant seat for a child safety seat (car seat).

• Choosing Safe Baby Products: Strollers

  Strollers come in a variety of sizes and styles. When you're searching for that perfect stroller that's light and portable, keep safety in mind.

• Do My Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What to Do About Croup

  Croup is a viral infection that causes a telltake "barking" cough. Find out what to do if your child has croup and when to call the doctor.

• What to Do About Diarrhea

  Diarrhea is common and usually not a sign of something serious. Find out what to do if your child has diarrhea.

• What to Do About Headaches

  Headaches are rarely a sign of something serious. Here's what to do if your child has a headache.

• What to Do About Stomachaches

  Stomachaches are common in childhood, and often caused by gas, constipation or viruses. Find out when a stomachache requires a trip to the doctor.

• What to Do About Warts

  Warts are common skin infections. They generally don't cause any serious problems, so usually don't need to be removed.

• What to Do About a Sore Throat

  Sore throats are usually caused by viruses. Here's what to do if your child has a sore throat.

• What to Do About a Stiff Neck

  A stiff neck is usually nothing to worry about. In rare cases, it can be a sign of something serious. Here's what to do about a stiff neck.

• Bike Safety

  Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and share time as a family. But there's an important factor that you need to consider - safety.

• Bruises

  Learn about bruises, why they happen, how to make them go away faster, and why they change colors.

• How Can Parents Help Prevent Concussions?

  Concussions are serious injuries. Here's how to help protect kids and teens from them.

• Is It OK for Kids to Sleep After a Possible Concussion?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Preventing Children’s Sports Injuries

  Participation in sports can teach kids sportsmanship and discipline. But sports also carry the potential for injury. Here's how to protect your kids.

• Safety Tips: Baseball

  Baseball is by no means a dangerous sport. But it can present a very real risk of injuries from things like wild pitches, batted balls, and collisions in the field. These safety tips can help keep your kids safe on the diamond.

• First Aid: Head Lice

  Lice commonly spread from kid to kid. They're not dangerous - but they are creepy and annoying. Here's what to do about them.

• First Aid: Nosebleeds

  Although they can be serious, nosebleeds are common in children ages 3 to 10 years and most stop on their own.

• First Aid: Rashes

  Sometimes rashes are only a minor annoyance. Other times, they are more serious and require medical treatment. Here's what to do if your child has a rash.

• First Aid: Ringworm

  Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. Here's what to do if your child has ringworm.

• First Aid: Seizures

  Although seizures can be frightening, usually they last only a few minutes, stop on their own, and are almost never life-threatening.

• First Aid: Splinters

  Taking a splinter out as soon as you spot it helps prevent infection and makes removal easier.

• First Aid: Strains and Sprains

  Here's what to do if you think your child has pulled or torn a muscle, ligament, or tendon.

• First Aid: Teeth Injuries

  If your child loses a baby tooth, there's no need to replace it. But if a permanent tooth is dislodged, it's a dental emergency. Here's what to do.

• First Aid: The Flu

  Telltale signs of the flu include a sore throat, body aches and fever. Here's what to do if your child has the flu.

• Handling Injuries & Illnesses

  From minor injuries to medical emergencies, these guides help you deal with common childhood mishaps.

• What You Need to Know in an Emergency

  In an emergency, it's hard to think clearly about your kids' health information. Here's what important medical information you should have handy, just in case.

• When Does a Cut Need Stitches?

  It's important to know when a cut might need medical care or even a few stitches. Here's what to look for.

• Wound Healing and Care

  How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.

• First Aid: Animal Bites

  Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can cause infection. Rarely, animal bites can cause rabies, a dangerous, life-threatening disease.

• First Aid: Broken Bones

  A broken bone needs emergency medical care. Here's what to do if you think your child fractured a bone.

• First Aid: Burns

  Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common type of burn young kids get. Here's what to do if your child is burned.

• First Aid: Chest Pains

  Chest pain can be caused by many things, but it is rarely a sign of heart trouble in children. Here's what to do about it.

• First Aid: Chickenpox

  Chickenpox (varicella) has become less common in the U.S. due to the chickenpox vaccine, but it can easily spread from one person to another.

• First Aid: Common Cold

  Kids can get up to eight colds a year - or more. The common cold sends more kids to the doctor than any other illness.

• First Aid: Dehydration

  Kids can become dehydrated when their bodies lose very large amounts of fluids. It's important to replenish fluid losses as quickly as possible.

• First Aid: Dislocations

  A dislocation happens when two connected bones are separated. These injuries require emergency medical care to avoid further damage.

• First Aid: Fainting

  Fainting is a loss of consciousness that can be caused by many things. Here's what to do if your child faints or is about to faint.

• First Aid: Falls

  Although most result in mild bumps and bruises, some falls can cause serious injuries that need medical attention.

• First Aid: Febrile Seizures

  Febrile seizures are convulsions that happen in some children with fevers. They usually stop on their own after a few minutes and don't cause any other health problems.

• First Aid: Frostbite

  Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite, a serious condition that requires emergency care. Here's what to do if your child has frostbite.

• First Aid: Head Injuries

  Learn about the different types of head injuries, and find out what to do if your child is seriously injuried.

• Head Injuries

  Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured.

• Heat Illness

  Active kids can be at risk for heat illness, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Learn how to prevent and treat heat illness.

• Nosebleeds

  A nosebleed can be scary, but it's rarely cause for alarm. Here's how to handle one at home.

• Teaching Your Child How to Use 911

  Teaching your child how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest - and most important - lessons you'll ever share.

• What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?

  Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid medicine overdose. Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.

• What Is a Medical Record?

  A medical record is a history of someone’s health. Most hospitals and doctor’s offices use electronic health records.

• Animal Bites and Scratches

  Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body, regardless of whether the animal is a family pet or a wild animal.

• Burns

  Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care.

• CPR

  Every parent should know how and when to administer CPR. Done correctly, CPR can save a child's life by restoring breathing and circulation until medical personnel arrive.

• Choking

  Choking is an emergency, so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Being Ready to Quarantine

  People who have a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or are around someone who has it should stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Here's how to prepare to quarantine or isolate at home.

• Dealing With Cuts

  Find out how to handle minor cuts at home - and when to get medical care for a more serious injury.

• Dehydration

  Sometimes kids lose fluids and salts through fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Here are some tips on preventing or treating dehydration.

• Emergency Care & First Aid Center

  Here's your one-stop information center for everything you need to know about handling emergencies and keeping kids safe.

• Fire Safety

  Find out how to prevent - and be ready for - a fire in your home.

• First Aid: Choking

  Choking can be a life-threatening emergency. Follow these steps if your child is choking.

• First Aid: Poisoning

  Most childhood poisonings happen in the home. They usually can be treated at home with advice from the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Keeping Kids Safe in Cars

  Learn how to protect kids by properly using car seats and booster seats.

• Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

• Outdoor Water Safety

  Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. Here are some tips based on the type of water.

• Playground Safety

  Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids.

• Pool Safety

  Having a pool, pond, spa, or hot tub on your property is a huge responsibility when it comes to safety. Here’s how can you keep kids – yours and others – safe.

• Preventing Abductions

  It's important to teach your kids to be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Here are ways to lessen the chances that your child will be abducted.

• Preventing Dog Bites

  Teaching kids a few basic dog manners will help them enjoy safe encounters with Fido.

• Scorpion Stings

  If a scorpion stings someone, the area of the sting will hurt and may get swollen or red, depending on the type of scorpion.

• Spider Bites

  Spiders rarely bite people. When they do, it’s usually in self-defense because they’re being crushed by a human. Usually, their venom is not strong enough to hurt humans.

• Summer Safety Center

  Here's your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about how to keep kids safe during summertime.

• Sun Safety

  By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.

• Tick Bites

  When a tick bites, the person won’t feel it happen. Always check your kids (and yourself) for ticks after spending time in the woods.

• Tick Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

  Boy, your child's freckles really stand out in the sun — yikes, that one is actually a tick! What should you do?

• Water Park Safety

  Water parks are a lot of fun and a great way to spend time outside. Here's how kids can enjoy them safely.

• Water Safety

  Kids need constant supervision around water — whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe.

• West Nile Virus

  The threat of West Nile virus has made getting a mosquito bite a cause for concern. What is West Nile virus, and what can you do to prevent it?

• A to Z: Head Injury

  Learn more about head injuries (head trauma).

• All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

  ATVs are off-road vehicles often used for recreation. But kids 16 and younger shouldn't ride them. Find out why, and more, here.

• Are Insect Repellents With DEET Safe for Kids?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Bee, Wasp, and Ant Stings

  Bee, wasp, and ant stings can cause temporary discomfort and pain, but most don’t lead to serious or lasting health problems.

• Bug Bites and Stings

  Most bug bites and stings are just annoying. But some can cause infections and allergic reactions. It's important to know what to watch for, and when to get medical attention.

• Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety

  Winter isn't a time to just stay indoors and wait for spring. Follow these tips to keep safe outdoors in cold weather.

• Drowning Prevention

  Drowning is a leading cause of death in children and teens. It happens fast and is usually silent. Here's how parents can help prevent drowning.

• Fireworks Safety

  Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

• First Aid: Insect Stings and Bites

  Being stung by a bug is often just irritating and doesn't require medical treatment. But kids who are highly allergic to stings may need emergency medical care.

• First Aid: Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac

  Mild rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants can be treated at home. But severe and widespread rashes require medical treatment.

• First Aid: Spider Bites

  Most spider bites cause mild reactions, but some can cause serious illness or allergic reactions. Here's what to do if you think your child was bitten by a spider.

• First Aid: Tick Bites

  Some ticks carry harmful germs that can cause disease. Find out what to do if your child is bitten by a tick.

• Frostbite and Frostnip

  You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.

• Halloween Candy Hints

  For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer.

• Halloween Safety Tips

  From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.

• How Can I Protect My Family From Ticks?

  Find out what the experts say.

• How to Choose & Use Sunscreen

  With all the options out there, choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. Here's what you need to know.

• How to Handle Sunburn

  You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.

• Jellyfish Stings

  Ocean dips are a cool part of summer, but jellyfish can spoil the fun. Here's how to handle a sting from by one of these mysterious sea creatures.

• Flying and Your Child’s Ears

  That weird ear-popping sensation is a normal part of air travel. Here's how to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears to prevent or decrease ear pain.