So, it's September and my child is ONE and if I'm going to be honest, I'm still trying to deal with this fact. While I'm so incredibly excited to watch her grow, I'm also just distraught about how quickly it's happening. It's so bittersweet watching her turn into this rambunctious toddler and sadly, there's nothing I can do about how quickly she's growing and how fast time is slipping into the future.

I've decided to face it, while I can't stop time, I can do my best to keep her safe... and I'm fairly certain I'm not the only mama that feels this way. That's why today I want to discuss safety, after all it's Baby Safety Month! So here's 6 ways that you can ensure your little toddler isn't going to get into too much trouble.


1. Keep things clean - Once baby becomes active, it's time to really start cleaning - especially the surfaces they can reach. From the floor to the ottoman, we've been redecorating thanks to our tiny little explorer and her curious hands! We've moved glass into containers she can't reach, we've rearranged cords and replaced handles on drawers. It's been a lot of work and we still have more to do but keeping a tidy, organized home is important for her so she can still seek, discover, and explore without getting hurt!

2. Know first aid - While we're on the topic of getting hurt... it likely will happen at some point, no matter how clean or safe your home is. Show of hands who has already taken a tumble?

While you can't prevent every little scratch or tumble, learning first aid could come in super handy the day that happens... so you might as well learn today! From infant CPR to knowing how to use a defibrillator in a emergency situation, knowing  all things related to first aid is the best way to ensure your baby and those around you are SUPER safe... and bonus points, you literately could save the day one day... and it only takes a few hours to learn First Aid basics. Look into a class nearby you!

3. Turnafter2 with Chicco’s Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat - Speaking of learning, did you know that #Turnafter2 isn't just a suggestion but a law in most states?! Luckily, I've always been a huge proponent of extended rear-facing and knew the second Chicco announced the Fit 2 that we had to have one!

Why did we choose the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat over other car seats? It's simple, Chicco's been in the baby gear business for over 50 years and they know what they're doing! We were using their previous model, the KeyFit 30 and knew the Fit2 would be perfect for us! What's different about The Fit2? It offers two positions, making it easier to practice extended rear-facing because baby fits more comfortably in the toddler position for longer.

On that note, earlier this year Chicco launched TurnAfter2, a national movement designed to increase the number of children who ride rear-facing longer. This movement is about educating us, the parents, about the benefits of riding rear-facing longer. You can find out all about the movement here... and if you're interested in being a part of the movement, be sure to use the hashtag #TurnAfter2 to show off images of your little cutie riding rear-facing.


4. No Cart Surfing - Speaking of car seats, I've seen SO many people think it's okay to place your car seat across the back of a shopping cart... or sometimes I've seen mama's think their carseat is "latched correctly" when placing it in the little seat where a child would sit once they get older. Either way, it's not an okay place for a baby's car seat to remain. The safest way to take baby in the store is either by placing the car seat within the cart or by carrying the baby, so please don't make the mistake of placing your car seat ON the cart and not IN it!

5. Smart Song - While D is still a little too young to teach lyrics to a song, I plan on teaching her a song all about her. I want her to know her information young, including all of our names, her address and one of our phone numbers. That way if she, heaven forbid, ever goes missing, she'll know exactly how to communicate who she is, who her parents are, and where she should be.

6. Teach Manners - Speaking of being taught, I think it's important to discuss teaching a baby manners. From how to gracefully pet a new dog to saying please & thank you, we're working on D's manners and politeness already. This may not seem like a safety thing, but it kind of is. She's learning to ask before action, which could save her in the future.

That's all I really want though, her to be safe in the future... and I think most mamas feel the same way! So tell me, will you be sharing a #TurnAfter2 photo or teaching your toddler a "smart song" in honor of Baby Saftey Month? I'd love to hear how you plan to keep your precious babe safe in the comments below!

Want some awesome news? Chicco is giving away a Fit2 car seat to one of my lucky readers! If you want to enter just use the giveaway tools form below!