1. Break away from rubber balloons. Balloons are almost synonymous with birthdays – but rubber balloons are also a top choking hazard, especially if they are popped, says Susan A. Helms, a registered nurse and director of injury prevention and Safe Kids at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Substitute with Mylar balloons instead – they are silvery, shiny and safer.

2. Ask about allergies. When toddlers have food allergies, even a simple birthday invitation can be a huge issue. You can make life easier and safer by asking all guests about allergies while the party is still in the planning stages, says Nadine O'Reilly, author of Peter Can't Eat Peanuts (O'Reilly Publishing, Inc., 2006). Just placing a simple line on the invitations – something like "Have food allergies? Call me!" – can go a long way toward ensuring everyone is on the same page and that your party is safe for all who attend.

3. Beat the burn if your party is outdoors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, caregivers of kids over 6 months of age should apply sunscreen of at least 15 SPF 30 minutes before the children go outside, even on cloudy days.