The automatic response where a newborn grabs anything placed in their palm. This involuntary reflex evolves into intentional reaching and grabbing around 3 to 5 months. Once they can grab and bring things to their mouth, choking hazard awareness becomes critical.
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Any small object, food, or toy part that can block a child's airway. Kids under 3 are at the highest risk because they explore everything by putting it in their mouths. A quick rule of thumb: if it fits through a toilet paper roll, it's a choking hazard.
Choosing age-appropriate toys and checking them regularly for broken parts, loose batteries, and small pieces. Look for ASTM F963 certification on toys sold in the US. Magnets and button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed.
A baby in their first 28 days of life. Newborns can't move around much, but they're still vulnerable to suffocation, falls from elevated surfaces, and overheating. Safe sleep setup and supervision during feeding are the top priorities at this stage.