On The Move
Your child's world becomes more dangerous as he or she becomes more mobile. Always be on the lookout for hazards at your baby's eye level. Try crawling around on your hands and knees to get a good look at potentially unsafe places, objects and electrical cords. You'll be surprised what baby can get into!
Choking
Once babies discover their mouths, it seems everything they touch goes into it. Keep toys made for older children out of their reach, as well as small objects including marbles) beads, buttons, paper clips, marker and pen caps, smallerasers, coins, balls, safety pins, balloons, and candy.
As your baby begins eating solid foods, strap him or her into a secure high chair and always supervise meals. Your baby won't be eating table foods right away, but when she does, cut them into chunks no larger than 1/2 of an inch. To prevent choking, children should not eat the following foods until at least age four:
Never allow your child to run, walk, play or be down when eating. To be on the safe side, contact your local Red Cross or American Heart Association for information about CPR classes.
Electrical Hazards
Your baby may not have the run of he house yet, yet it's never too early to place outlet plates and plug protectors on electrical outlets. Make sure the outlet protectors are not easily removable by children and are not choking hazards.
Babies like to see what happens when they pull on things, so keep electrical cords out of sight and secured. Replace all frayed, broken, or worn electrical cords. Unplug all appliances after using them. Fold up ironing boards and put the iron away after using.
Falls
Babies love exploring new places. Make your child's adventures safe by blocking all stairways with safety gates that fit snugly. If you're in the market for safefy gates, purchase a brand that carries a certification seal from the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Use safety gates that screw into the walls at the top of stairs.
Always use safety belts and never leave your baby unattended when they are in danger of falling in a high chair, infant seat, swing or stroller. Use corner and edge bumpers to prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. While playpens can help children avoid falls by keeping them from hazardous areas, playpen time should be limited. The safest playpens use mesh measuring less than 1/4" that's securely attached and has no tears or loose threads. Always keep the playpen sides up and locked.
Bath Time Safety
Babies often enjoy splashing around in the tub. To keep bath time pleasant and safe, stay within arm's reach of baby. It only takes a few seconds and a few inches of water (even in toilets) for babies to drown, so resist the urge to answer the doorbell or the telephone. Even the sturdiest infant bath seat or supported ring is no match for adult supervision, although a rubber bath mat may limit slips and falls in the tub.
Pool Safety
lf you have a swimming pool, it should be surrounded by a climb-resistant fence measuring at least four feet high that prevents direct access to the pool from the house. Anyone who supervises your child around pools or any body of water should know CPR and have ready access to a phone and rescue equipment.
BurnsGet in the habit of turning the cold water off last. This will prevent a hot metal faucet from burning little fingers. And, during the cold winter months, block your baby's path to heat registers, ducts or portable heaters.
It's okay to warm baby foods in the microwave oven, if you follow label directions carefully. Always check the temperature of the food by tasting it yourself first.
Car Safety
When your baby weighs at least 20 pounds and is over one year of age, begin using a forward-facing car seat placed in the back seat - the safest place in your car. Some newer car and van models are equipped with built-in infant seats which may be used for children who are at least one year of age and weigh a minimum of 20 pounds. Check with the vehicle manufacturer for details. An Auto Roller Shade will help you keep your baby comfortable in the car on sunny days. Never leave baby alone in any vehicle for any reason.
Hidden Dangers
If your baby can sit in his crib or push up on his hands and knees, it's time to remove toys hung across the crib rails, mobiles and decorative crib bumper pads. A squeaky door can be intriguing to a little creeper. Door stops can keep little fingers from being pinched. Keep children away from decorations or other flammable materials, such as Christmas tree lights and lit candles.
Choking
Once babies discover their mouths, it seems everything they touch goes into it. Keep toys made for older children out of their reach, as well as small objects including marbles) beads, buttons, paper clips, marker and pen caps, smallerasers, coins, balls, safety pins, balloons, and candy.
As your baby begins eating solid foods, strap him or her into a secure high chair and always supervise meals. Your baby won't be eating table foods right away, but when she does, cut them into chunks no larger than 1/2 of an inch. To prevent choking, children should not eat the following foods until at least age four:
- Nuts and seeds
- Popcorn
- Raw vegetables
- Raisins and other small dried fuit, such as cranberries
- Whole grapes
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Melon balls
- Marshmallows
- Large chunks of meat and cheese
- Hot dogs
- Chunks of peanut butter and other nut butters
- Hard candy and cough drops
- Chewing gum
- Jelly beans, gum drops, gummy bears, and other sticky candy
Never allow your child to run, walk, play or be down when eating. To be on the safe side, contact your local Red Cross or American Heart Association for information about CPR classes.
Electrical Hazards
Your baby may not have the run of he house yet, yet it's never too early to place outlet plates and plug protectors on electrical outlets. Make sure the outlet protectors are not easily removable by children and are not choking hazards.
Babies like to see what happens when they pull on things, so keep electrical cords out of sight and secured. Replace all frayed, broken, or worn electrical cords. Unplug all appliances after using them. Fold up ironing boards and put the iron away after using.
Falls
Babies love exploring new places. Make your child's adventures safe by blocking all stairways with safety gates that fit snugly. If you're in the market for safefy gates, purchase a brand that carries a certification seal from the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Use safety gates that screw into the walls at the top of stairs.
Always use safety belts and never leave your baby unattended when they are in danger of falling in a high chair, infant seat, swing or stroller. Use corner and edge bumpers to prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. While playpens can help children avoid falls by keeping them from hazardous areas, playpen time should be limited. The safest playpens use mesh measuring less than 1/4" that's securely attached and has no tears or loose threads. Always keep the playpen sides up and locked.
Bath Time Safety
Babies often enjoy splashing around in the tub. To keep bath time pleasant and safe, stay within arm's reach of baby. It only takes a few seconds and a few inches of water (even in toilets) for babies to drown, so resist the urge to answer the doorbell or the telephone. Even the sturdiest infant bath seat or supported ring is no match for adult supervision, although a rubber bath mat may limit slips and falls in the tub.
Pool Safety
lf you have a swimming pool, it should be surrounded by a climb-resistant fence measuring at least four feet high that prevents direct access to the pool from the house. Anyone who supervises your child around pools or any body of water should know CPR and have ready access to a phone and rescue equipment.
BurnsGet in the habit of turning the cold water off last. This will prevent a hot metal faucet from burning little fingers. And, during the cold winter months, block your baby's path to heat registers, ducts or portable heaters.
It's okay to warm baby foods in the microwave oven, if you follow label directions carefully. Always check the temperature of the food by tasting it yourself first.
Car Safety
When your baby weighs at least 20 pounds and is over one year of age, begin using a forward-facing car seat placed in the back seat - the safest place in your car. Some newer car and van models are equipped with built-in infant seats which may be used for children who are at least one year of age and weigh a minimum of 20 pounds. Check with the vehicle manufacturer for details. An Auto Roller Shade will help you keep your baby comfortable in the car on sunny days. Never leave baby alone in any vehicle for any reason.
Hidden Dangers
If your baby can sit in his crib or push up on his hands and knees, it's time to remove toys hung across the crib rails, mobiles and decorative crib bumper pads. A squeaky door can be intriguing to a little creeper. Door stops can keep little fingers from being pinched. Keep children away from decorations or other flammable materials, such as Christmas tree lights and lit candles.