Child being buckled into Car Seat A child needs to know that his environment keeps him safe from injury and has predictable routines for his care. He knows things like mealtime, bath and bedtime happen in a certain order and having consistent routines like these is comforting to him. As a young child reaches the toddler stage, he becomes increasingly aware of the world around him. Just as a child is more aware of the routines in his life, he is also more aware that things can be dangerous to him. Creating a safe, secure and predictable environment and making his needs a priority are things that parents and caregivers can do to support and enhance his well being. His physical well-being is the foundation for his ability to develop emotional control and strong attachments, both of which are vital for healthy brain development to occur.

Adults can do many things to control dangers to a child that can lead to injury, including to the brain, permanent disability, or even death. Ensuring that the home, indoor and outdoor play areas, toys, and equipment meet established safety standards and using car seats that are correct for the age and size of the child are just two basic but important ways that adults can do this. Many communities sponsor car seat installation and safety checks at places such as health fairs and fire stations. The Consumer Products Safety Commission website, and the Safe Kids website, offer safety guidelines for child spaces and equipment. The websites of the Center for Injury Prevention, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, provide information on children’s safety seats.

A young child gains security from knowing he can depend on his caregivers to provide sufficient food at regular times and to hold him safely and comfort him. The repeated experiences of exploring in safe surroundings teach a child he is not likely to be hurt, that he can trust his caregivers to keep him safe, and that new experiences are enjoyable. If an environment is not safe and predictable, his brain will focus on strengthening survival behaviors, with less attention to learning or developing relationships.