A quick rundown of safety rules and emergency procedures for anyone watching your child. Cover where the first aid kit is, how to reach Poison Control, which rooms are off-limits, any allergies, and how the baby gates and locks work. Write it down so they can reference it.
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Active, attentive watching of a child, especially around water, heights, and hazards. Supervision doesn't mean scrolling your phone while your kid plays near the pool. It means eyes-on, within arm's reach when needed, and knowing what to watch for at each developmental stage.
A baby-specific first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, infant acetaminophen, a digital thermometer, saline drops, tweezers, and the Poison Control number. Keep one at home and one in the car. Check expiration dates every 6 months.
The national Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call if you suspect your child has swallowed something toxic, even if they seem fine. Don't induce vomiting unless they tell you to. Save this number in your phone right now.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants and children differs from adult CPR. For babies, you use two fingers on the breastbone instead of full hands, and gentle rescue breaths covering both the nose and mouth. Every parent and caregiver should take an infant CPR class before the baby arrives.