Safety Mistakes Parents Make

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death in children, and little ones can drown in just an inch or two of water. It's crucial that young children are never left alone in or near water.

Set the thermostat of your hot water heater to no higher than 120ºF to reduce the chance of scalds or burns. It takes just three seconds for a child to sustain a third-degree burn from water at 140ºF.

If you have a swimming pool or spa, make sure it is surrounded with a fence at least five feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate, or check that it is completely covered with a safety cover. Keep in mind that it is important that your child learn to swim when he or she is old enough; both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Safe Kids Campaign says children are generally not developmentally ready for organized swim lessons until age four.