Vision & Age

When your baby can hardly roll over, it seems much too early to be concerned about eye safety. But babies are naturally curious. After all, it is their job to learn all about the world around them—and the best way to do that is by exploring. So they reach out and grab all sorts of things, blissfully oblivious of the danger. It is your job to keep them safe. Be sure to keep sharp household objects—pencils and scissors, paper clips, and coat hangers—well away from little fingers. And keep toxic chemicals locked away.

Keep outings a pleasure

While it is true that most accidents happen at home, that doesn't mean you can just relax when you leave the house. Most places you go—including playgrounds—aren't likely to be baby-proofed, so it is up to you to keep a vigilant eye out. And be sure to top off that playsuit with sunglasses and a hat. Babies' eyes are particularly vulnerable to strong sun.

Put out the lights

In a recent retrospective study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, only 10% of children who slept in the dark before age two later tested as nearsighted. A surprising 35% of those who slept with a night-light and 55% of those who slept with the light on later tested as nearsighted. While medical authorities have drawn no official conclusions, you may want to consider putting out the lights.

Play safe

• Avoid toys with sharp points—and keep toys for older children away from infants.
• Examine all the items in playgrounds.
• Keep chemicals away from the baby.
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Pad sharp corners on furniture.