When babies' teeth start pushing through the gums, usually between 4 and 7 months. Teething babies chew on everything, including crib rails, furniture edges, and anything they can reach. Use teething toys and check for lead-free paint on cribs. Avoid teething necklaces, which are a strangulation and choking risk.
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Babies explore everything by putting it in their mouths. This starts around 4 months and can last well into the toddler years. It's developmentally normal and important for learning, but it's also why keeping small objects and toxic substances out of reach is so critical.
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.
Any cord, string, ribbon, or loop that could wrap around a child's neck. Window blind cords, drawstrings on clothing, and necklaces are common culprits. Cordless window treatments and removing drawstrings from young children's clothing are straightforward fixes.