We’ve all heard stories of babies getting into accidents—some retold with laughter, others remembered with shock or frustration. The truth is, many of these incidents could have been prevented with simple precautions.

“One of the most common baby accidents we see is falling from the edge of beds, chairs, or stairs. These can lead to concussions, lacerations, and broken bones,” shares Dr. Jayeanne M. Bihag-Lomibao, general pediatrician at Roque Diagnostic Center. “We also see burns from hot bath water or drinks, foreign objects lodged in the ears or nose, and accidental ingestion of substances such as cleaning products or medicine.”

Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and eager to explore, but they have little understanding of danger. “Their small size makes them vulnerable to everyday household risks,” she explains. “And because their coordination and motor skills are still developing, they are less able to protect themselves in situations such as falls or choking.”

With this in mind, Dr. Jayeanne reminds parents never to underestimate safety. Babies can surprise you with new skills like rolling, reaching, or crawling almost overnight. “What felt perfectly safe yesterday can suddenly become a hazard today,” she cautions.

Babies spend most of their early months asleep, which makes a safe sleep environment non-negotiable. Dr. Jayeanne advises, “Place an infant on a firm, flat mattress in a safety-certified crib or bassinet, with only a snug fitted sheet. Always lay the baby on their back to sleep, and keep the crib in your room for the first months—but give them their own separate sleep surface rather than sharing your bed.”

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), experts recommend keeping the crib completely clear until at least 12 months. Less is safer: no pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys. A simple, uncluttered crib is the best protection.

Most babies don’t enjoy being buckled into a car seat—but safety must always come first. Dr. Jayeanne emphasizes keeping infants and toddlers rear-facing for as long as possible. “It cradles the head, neck, and spine during a crash—areas that are still fragile in young children,” she says. “ Turning a seat forward too soon can sharply increase the risk of serious injury.”

Proper installation is equally important. A car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back once secured. “Harness straps should be snug, with the chest clip at armpit level. For rear-facing seats, the straps should be at or just below the shoulders,” she adds.

Babies love to put almost everything into their mouths. Dr. Jayeanne points out that both food and small household items—about 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter—can block a baby’s airway.

Keep coins, buttons, toy parts, and batteries out of reach. Avoid foods like whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, hard candies, and raw carrots. “Offer soft, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your child’s age,” she advises. “Always supervise meals, seat babies upright, and never prop a bottle.”

A lot can happen when there’s water around, especially during bath time. “Always stay within arm’s reach and never leave your baby unattended,” says Dr. Jayeanne. “Use a small infant tub with just a few inches of water, and keep a steady hand on your baby at all times.”

She also recommends checking the water temperature with the inside of your wrist or elbow—it should feel warm, never hot. Just as important: Empty buckets and basins right after use, keep toilet lids closed, and never leave a child near water unsupervised.

Having babies and toddlers at home means many common items can become dangerous. Dr. Jayeanne lists medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, laundry pods, cosmetics, plants, and even essential oils among the most common household risks.

“Always keep medicines and chemicals in locked cabinets, high and out of sight—never under sinks or in handbags. Some products have child-resistant caps, but these are not foolproof,” she warns. If ingestion occurs, bring the child immediately to the nearest emergency room. “Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed. Take a photo of the product or bring it with you to the emergency room.”

The solution to preventing many accidents is simple: babyproof your home. “Install safety gates at stairways, secure heavy furniture such as TVs to the wall, and cover outlets while keeping cords tucked away—these are just some of the basics,” says Dr. Jayeanne.

When should parents start? As early as five to six months, before the baby starts crawling.

She also suggests doing a full-home sweep at the baby’s eye level every few months. “Get down on your hands and knees and take a slow look around from your baby’s level. You might notice things you’d never seen while standing.”

Babyproofing may feel tedious at first, but once it becomes part of your routine, it creates a safe space where your baby can explore and grow with peace of mind for the parents.