One of the best ways to keep your baby or toddler safe is to teach them about dangers that are all around them.
You might be surprised to learn how early these lessons can actually be taught.
Teaching your baby the "language of danger" is a great way to help them understand your words of warning.
Words like ouch, sharp, hot, and boo-boo should be part of those words.
Phrases like "be careful", "don't touch", and "that is dangerous" or "that will give baby a boo-boo" should be used consistently when there's danger present.
You can pretend that something sharp has hurt you and say "Ouch!".
In fact, modeling for your baby is one of the best teaching tools that you could ever use.
Here are some things you'll want to include in your baby's daily "life lessons": Everyday life is the best teaching tool that you can use.
If you use a pair of scissors or a knife in front of your baby, that's a good time to tell him or her that the item is sharp and can cut fingers.
Always let them know that the item is not a toy and that it is to be used only by mommy or daddy.
Even simple words like "NO, NO" get the point across to a very little one.
Practicing telling your baby, even if they don't understand all of your words is still a good idea because eventually they will begin to understand your meaning.
When you and your baby are around anything that is hot, it's good to teach them first, what hot means and secondly that you should never touch something that is hot.
Babies and toddlers may not even realize all of the things that can be hot at one time and are not hot when turned off.
Simply saying "HOT" and pointing to an object will do for now.
"Don't touch" should always be associated with things that are labeled as "hot".
Hot coffee, curling irons, a clothes iron, a radiator, a candle and the fireplaces are all things that your child should stay away from.
Simply telling a baby to "stay away" without further explanation is not enough.
You really should explain why they need to stay away, so they are not tempted to find out the answer to that mystery themselves.
Electrical outlets are another hot spot that you should teach your baby about.
"Ouch" and "Don't Touch" words can be used to get the point across to a curious youngster.
Simply covering the outlets in and of itself is not enough to keep your baby protected.
Despite your best efforts and intentions, you baby will, at some point, be exposed to an electrical outlet.
Teaching your baby about dangers is by far the best baby proofing tool you will ever use.
You get the idea that your baby's brain is the best path to keeping him or her safe no matter where he goes.
Anything that poses a danger in your home or in your baby's world, can be used as an opportunity for learning about how to be safe.
Anywhere from the car, to the playground, to grandma's house is a classroom for your baby and you are your child's most important teacher.
Don't simply rely on baby proofing gadgets to keep your little one safe.