You can begin baby-proofing your home by closely examining the crib, cradle or bassinet for hazards. Follow these specific tips to prevent some of the most common sources of injury to a baby.

Prevent Suffocation

For infants, smothering or suffocation, is a common cause of death. Avoid placing babies in an adult’s bed or on waterbeds, futon mattresses, fluffy pillows or beanbag chairs. A baby can roll over and suffocate facedown in the depressions her body makes.

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.
Toy chests — Purchase toy chests with removable lids and ventilation holes.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Experts believe that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can be reduced by taking the following steps.

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

Babies and toddlers will try to put everything in their mouths. It is up to you to make sure they cannot swallow anything that will cause 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 household cleaners, medications and other poisons out of children’s reach and post the number of the Poison Control Center by each phone, (800) 222-1222.

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.

Lead poisoning — The major source of lead poisoning is paint made before 1978, but it can also be found in furniture, mini-blinds and windowsills. This can be a serious threat to children because their brains and central nervous systems are still developing. For more information, contact The National Safety Council at www.nsc.org or (800) 621-7619 or your state or local Department of Health.

Prevent Falls

Take steps to prevent your baby from a dangerous fall.

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

Look around your home for apparent hazards.

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.

Prevent Drowning

Be especially vigilant around common water sources such as bathrooms, buckets and swimming pools at your own home and at places you may be visiting.

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.