Child Safety

Miscellaneous Safety Checklist for Your Home:

Change him/her on a safe area where s/he cannot roll off.
NEVER let cords from window blinds dangle; they can accidentally strangle him/her.
Put gates at the top and bottom of stairs and install window guards.
Shut and lock or latch doors to the bathroom, garage, basement and outside.
Cover sharp edges and corners of furniture and cabinets that s/he could run into.
Don't let him/her stand up in a high chair.
Be aware of possible childhood lead exposure; lead screening is recommended at 12 months.

Keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone.
Learn CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver so you are prepared in case of an emergency.

Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.
NEVER hang anything across the crib or from the crib ends or sides.
Make sure crib is safe and the slats are no more than 2-3/8" apart (or the width of a 16 ounce soda can).
Make sure crib mattress is firm and snug-fitting so s/he cannot get trapped between mattress and side of crib.
Set the crib mattress to the lowest position when s/he is able to pull to a standing position.
Remove bumper pads and large toys when s/he could use them as steps for climbing out.
NEVER leave infants on adult or youth beds, (s/he could suffocate, become wedged between mattress and frame or wall, or roll off.

ALWAYS use a rear facing infant car seat, placed IN THE BACK SEAT.
Switch him/her to a toddler car seat when s/he is 20 pounds or 26 inches in length, and ALWAYS place in the back seat.
Be sure that s/he is properly belted in a car seat on every ride.
Be sure the car seat is installed correctly.
Check the car seat regularly to be sure it has not been loosened or shifted its position.
NEVER leave you child unattended in a car for any length of time, especially on a hot day.

Set hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent hot water burns.
Bath water should not be hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
NEVER leave him/her alone in the bath.
S/he can drown in less than 2 inches of water - keep toilet lid closed and avoid leaving buckets of water unattended while cleaning or washing the car.
Never leave him/her unsupervised while in or near water (swimming pool, pond, lake, creek, etc.).

Avoid heating his/her formula bottle in the microwave; it can get scalding hot in center but feel cold on the outside.
Never prop the bottle, s/he could choke.
Don't let him/her lie on his/her back with food in the mouth.
Never allow eating while actively playing; choking on foods is a real danger.

Until six months of age you should keep your baby out of direct sunlight; move to the shade or under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.
Dress him/her in comfortable lightweight clothing that covers the body and a hat with a brim that shades the face and ears.
Child-sized sunglasses with UV protection are a good idea for protecting the eyes.
After 6 months of age chose a sunscreen made for children; test a small area on his/her skin for a reaction before applying all over.
The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and can come through the clouds even on cloudy days; try to keep your child out of the sun during these hours.

Keep toys with small parts or sharp edges out of reach.
Don't give him/her plastic bags, balloons or small objects to play with; s/he could choke or suffocate.
Avoid using baby walkers; they can be dangerous and won't help your child learn to walk.

Keep the poison control number by the phone.
Keep all medicines, tobacco and household products away from children.
Know the plants in and around your house; many kinds of yard and house plants are poisonous if eaten.

Don't let your child play near the street.
Always hold on to his/her hand in a parking lot or when crossing the street.
Practice stopping and looking both ways with him/her before crossing the street.
Always put a helmet on his/her head when seated in a bike seat or when riding a tricycle or bike.