Children are wonderful blessings. They are full of curiosity, energy and fascination for the world around them. However, this love of life can place children in dangerous situations. September is Child Safety Month. This month-long event encourages parents to look over their home and ensure safety measures are in place to prevent injuries. Here are several safety tips for parents to keep their children safe at home and on the road.

Crib

Your children will spend a significant amount of time in their crib without your continual, watchful eye. When looking for a crib and mattress, ensure that you can stick no more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib. If there is space between, your child can fall in the cracks and suffocate.

Also, do not place large blankets, pillows and stuffed animals in the crib with your child. Again, your child can easily suffocate on these items. Additionally, the placement of your crib is critical. Make sure there are no cords dangling near the bed, such as cords from nearby blinds. Also, do not hang anything on the wall above the bed. These can easily fall off and injure your child.

Bath

Your child can drown in a tub filled with even the tiniest amount of water. Never leave you baby alone in the bathtub. Also, be close enough to your child that you can grab her if she submerges her entire face in the water. Never stick your child in a bath without checking the temperature of the water. If your child is old enough to turn on the water by his or herself, adjust your water heater to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit so if the water is turned on without your knowledge, he won't be burned.

Car

When your child is in the car, make sure he is properly restrained. Be sure the harness straps fit snug around the baby and are positioned correctly. Also, make sure your child fits the weight requirements for the car seat. And if a car seat has been in a crash or is expired, do not use it. Also, never ever leave your child alone in the car. Numerous tragedies can happen if he is left alone in a vehicle, even for just a few minutes.

Around the home

There are several small things you can do around the home to prevent injury. Lock all cabinets, especially those with any type of chemicals or medicine inside. Cover all electrical sockets and ensure television sets, light furniture and other items are secured so they will not fall on top of your child if she pulls on an item. Install gates to keep children out of dangerous areas of your home such as the stairs and low windows. Additionally, be smart and have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors around your home. Finally, never place benches or toy boxes directly under windows. Too many children die each year from climbing, leaning on window screens and falling.

Your child's safety should be a top priority. You should do all you can to prevent injuries in your home, even if it takes a little time to baby-proof your home. Spend a few days this month to go through your home and see where you can make improvements. Your baby is worth it.