Which safety information would the nurse provide to parents of a crawling and walking infant?

Offering safe alternatives is vital when caring for crawling and walking infants because it encourages healthy exploration while maintaining a safe environment. Infants are naturally curious and use their newly acquired mobility to discover their surroundings. By providing safe alternatives, such as toys or activities that are age-appropriate and free of hazards, parents can redirect their child's curiosity in a way that helps them learn and grow while minimizing the risk of injury.

This approach promotes a positive learning environment, allowing infants to engage in developmentally appropriate play and exploration without parents having to constantly worry about safety hazards. Offering safe options fosters independence and self-discovery while ensuring that the child remains secure.

The other options might not support healthy development as effectively. Discouraging exploration can hinder a child's cognitive and physical growth, while using time-out as a punishment can create negative associations with learning and exploration. Additionally, while putting medications out of reach is undoubtedly important for safety, it does not encompass the broader perspective of promoting safe exploration and learning through providing alternatives.