A house is an exciting place for infants and small children, who love to explore but aren't aware of the potential dangers. Protecting your child from household dangers is your job - and it's a job that will always be evolving to keep up with your child's growing mobility and curiosity. Even before your baby comes home from the hospital, you will need to think carefully about his safety at home. And as he grows older, your job becomes more difficult, as he touches, tastes, and climbs his way through the world.

Life can't be risk-free, but most household accidents can be prevented by utilizing a household safety checklist. This will help you identify and eliminate potential hazards in your home.

Preventing Animal Bites
Pets and children seem like a natural combination - until one oversteps the other's boundaries. Take note of the following to promote household harmony:

• Never leave infants or toddlers alone with a family pet.
• Don't keep undomesticated animals as house pets.
• When choosing a family pet, look for one with a calm disposition. For example, some dog breeds tolerate children better than others; research breeds to find one that is appropriate for your family. There are even Web sites now that help you match family characteristics with the best breed of dog.
• Children under 4 years should be supervised when playing with a dog or cat.
• Teach children never to tease an animal, pull its tail or ears, or bother it while it is eating or sleeping. Children should always stay away from pets with their young.
• Children should be taught never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.

• Teach children never to pet or try to play with an animal that they don't know.

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