Top Baby Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know in 2025

September is Baby Safety Month, and as both a pediatric physical therapist and a mom of two, I’ve learned that safety often comes down to simple, everyday choices. Some of these tips come from clinical training, others from lived experience (and a few stitches!), but all of them are practices I stand by to keep babies and toddlers safe at home and on the go!

🚗Keep Kids Rear-Facing as Long as Possible

The research is abundantly clear- rear-facing car seats provide the highest level of protection for young children’s vulnerable head, neck, and spinal structures. For instance, children aged 0-4 in rear-facing seats were found to have a 9% lower chance of any injury in a crash compared to those in forward-facing seats (PubMed). Other studies show infants in rear-facing seats experience up to 75 % fewer serious injuries, including death (BioMed Central).

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics urge caregivers to keep children rear-facing as long as possible, until they exceed the seat’s height or weight limits. The CDC echoes this, recommending rear-facing until age 2–4 when feasible. In our household, both boys remained rear-facing until they were at least 3, and let me tell you, the only grumblings came from overly opinionated relatives, not the kids themselves! Try your best to tune it out and prioritize safety by staying rear-facing until your child outgrows the seat.

No Puffy Jackets in the Car Seat

Thick winter coats compress in a crash, which means kids can be ejected through the harness no matter how tight you think you have it. Instead, choose car seat–safe jackets or buckle your child snugly before placing a blanket over the straps. Buckle Me Baby, a former Shark Tank winner, makes both (plus code PHUNPHITPHAM will score you additional savings!). Once your child is secured, double check the straps with a "pinch test" to make any necessary last minute adjustments.

😴 Minimalist Sleep

When it comes to sleep safety, loose blankets and pillows in that first year are a no-go. Instead, we use sleep sacks and cozy pajamas that allow our kids to move comfortably while staying safe. Our favorite brand is Kaiya Baby (more savings with code PHUNPHITPHAM), which even comes with a life changing sleep temperature gauge to better determine whether your baby is too hot or too cold at night! I am also mindful to choose sleep sacks with the ability to free feet, from both a sensory input and climbing perspective. This design lets them stand and walk without slipping while still offering the comfort and security of a wearable blanket. We had to make this change when our oldest was escaping the crib on the lowest setting, with feet covered, at only 18 months!

🥤 Soft-Tipped Water Bottles

Happy between being numb and stitched back together

This one is extra personal. During M’s very first week home from the hospital, L tripped carrying his open stainless steel Hydroflask up the stairs to bed. The firm plastic straw pierced his lip on the way down ending in a lot of blood, tears, and stitches. Tragically, such incidents aren’t unique. Medical literature records a case where a 4-year-old almost died after a fall caused a straw to penetrate his neck and damage his carotid artery (PubMed). Now, we only use stainless steel toddler water bottles that have soft silicone tips (usually Zak! Cups). It may seem minor, but now we know how seriously one little detail can matter.

🏡 Babyproofing

Babyproofing is about more than just outlet covers. With two curious toddlers, we rely on sturdy safety gates, cabinet locks, and door locks to keep them out of harm’s way.

One of our absolute favorites is the Door Wing- a simple but genius way to block little hands from “forbidden” rooms and closets. Our kids love pulling board game pieces out, and this was a total game changer for our sanity. It’s even portable so you can bring it with you when traveling or visiting grandparents’ houses! (you know the drill, code PHUNPHITPHAM if you want your own!)

🌞 Heat Safety

It’s a common sight: a light blanket draped over a stroller or baby while nursing outdoors on a warm summer day. However, what looks like shade creates a greenhouse effect- trapping heat and quickly raising your child’s temperature and risk of heat stroke. On a breezy 85 degree day, a muslin covered stroller can increase well over 100 degrees in just 15 minutes! Instead, stick to just the stroller canopy, head for natural shade, and/or use a stroller fan. Overheating happens much faster than most caregivers realize.

👟 Proper Footwear

Okay, if I am being picky these def aren't the best shoes for either of them (guilty!), BUT def better than Crocs!

The right shoes can make or break safety exploring uneven terrain. Just last week, I saw a child fall from a climbing structure- thankfully he was okay, but the sound of his mom’s terrified scream is something I won’t forget. I couldn’t help but notice after the fact he was climbing in Crocs. While debatably great for the pool or beach (they are under a class action lawsuit for shrinking in sun and water), Crocs offer little support and no flexibility or traction which are essential for climbing. At least on the play ground, stick with closed-toe shoes with good grip and support to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Other things we look for in good shoes include flexible soles, a firm but flexible heel cup, and a wide toe box to let those little piggies breathe!

🧗‍♂️ The Importance of Risky Play

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but one of the best safety practices is giving kids space for risky play. Allowing them to climb, balance, and test limits in a safe environment teaches them body awareness, problem-solving, and how to consciously decide when they feel safe or not. The more practice they get, the better prepared they are to navigate tricky situations independently.

Wrapping it Up

Baby safety isn’t about living in fear- it’s about prevention and preparation. Whether it’s keeping your toddler rear-facing longer, using the right jackets, babyproofing your home, or swapping drinkware, these little adjustments can prevent big accidents while still giving them freedom to grow. Remember, not everyone will agree with your safety choices (trust me, we’ve been there with the rear-facing debate), but only YOU know what’s best for your family.

Stay safe out there pham!