It's not only normal for babies to put things in their mouths, it's also a sign that they are taking interest in the world around them. In the first year, children explore their surroundings by seeing, touching, hearing, smelling and tasting.

However, not everything that they put into their mouths is a good thing. Some of the most common things around the house can lead to harm. Here are some tips so you can minimize the risks.

Top Safety Tips

1. Supervise your baby when he or she is eating or playing.
2. Children under 5 should not eat small, round or hard foods, including pieces of hot dogs, cheese sticks or chunks, hard candy, nuts, grapes, marshmallows or popcorn.
3. New parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.
4. Before you've settled on the perfect toy, check to make sure there aren't any small parts or other potential choking hazards.
5. Keep a special eye on small game pieces that may be a choking hazard for young children. While these kinds of games are great for older kids, they can pose a potential danger for younger, curious siblings.

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