Create A Safe Environment

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Prevent Suffocation

• Cribs — Your baby will be safest sleeping in a crib if you follow this advice.
  • There should be nothing in the crib but your baby – no covering, no pillows, no bumper pads and no toys.
  • Never use plastic bags over crib mattresses.
  • Remove bibs before placing your baby in the crib.
  • Keep the crib away from dangling window shades or drapery cords.
  • Remove crib gyms and mobiles from the crib when your baby begins to push up on hands and feet.
  • Always lock the side rail in the raised position whenever your child is in the crib. As soon as your child begins to pull himself up to a standing position, adjust the mattress to its lowest position.
• Safety gates — Choose approved safety gates that have a straight edge and rigid bars or mesh screen. Make sure they are securely installed.
• Toy chests — Purchase toy chests with removable lids and ventilation holes.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

• During pregnancy schedule regular medical appointments, eat balanced meals and do not smoke.
• Always place your baby on his back in a crib on a flat firm mattress.
• Make sure not to overdress your baby while she sleeps.

Prevent Choking

• Chop or shred round or slippery foods, such as hot dogs, grapes, raw apples and carrots.
• Keep babies and toddlers away from small, easy-to-swallow objects such as buttons, coins, marbles and small toy parts.
• Keep babies and toddlers out of others’ bedrooms, especially older siblings. Toys and objects designed for older children could be harmful to your baby.
• Learn infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and what to do in case of choking emergencies.

Prevent Poisoning

• Keep dangerous substances in high cabinets secured with child-proof locks.
• Keep all products in their original containers, unless the container is deteriorated.
• Keep all medication out of the sight of children and in child-resistant containers. Close after use.
• Dispose of all outdated medications.
• Keep baby powder out of reach. If inhaled, baby powder can cause severe breathing problems.
• Dispose of poisonous plants.

Prevent Falls

• Never leave a baby alone on any furniture, including beds, tables, sofas or changing tables.
• Use approved safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs and in the doorways of rooms that may be dangerous for a baby, such as a utility room or craft room.
• Use plastic guards on stair or deck railings to keep children from falling through or getting their head caught between the railings.
• Never run electrical cords across traffic paths, under rugs or furniture.
• Use throw rugs with rubber backing.
• Use rubber mats or no-skid decals in the bathtub.
• Secure bookshelves and cabinets against the walls to prevent furniture from falling over on children.
• Keep beds and other furniture away from windows. Be careful of windows that are less than 3 feet off the ground, children can fall through the screen and out the window if it is open.
• Install window guards on all windows above the first floor (guards should be the kind that can be forcefully dislodged from the inside in case of fire).

Prevent Injuries

• Place padding on sharp corners of furniture and fireplace hearth.
• Store kitchen knives and sharp tools out of children’s reach.
• Use safety latches on kitchen cabinets and drawers.
• Do not leave cups or other containers of hot liquid where children can reach them.
• Turn pot handles inward and use back burners when cooking. Remove knobs from stove if within child’s reach.
• Keep foil, plastic wrap and bags out of reach.
• Keep household garbage in containers with secure lids.
• Never leave your child alone with pets.
• Place electrical outlet caps in appropriate locations.

Prevent Drowning

• Install toilet bowl cover locks or latches. Consider placing a latch on the bathroom door out of reach of young children.
• Empty all buckets and pails after use. Even a small amount of liquid can be dangerous. Store buckets and pails immediately after use.
• Enclose hot tub, spa areas and swimming pools with at least a 4-foot fence and gate. Install self-latches out of children’s reach.
• Lock doors and windows leading to the pool area.
• Install a pool alarm that will alert you if someone falls into the pool.
• Keep a phone near the pool area with emergency numbers posted.

As your baby becomes more mobile by rolling, sitting, crawling, walking and climbing, remember that safety is a priority. Check your home for hazards regularly as your child grows to make sure you are doing all you can to keep your baby safe.