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.

Emergency Information

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

Electrical Safety

• Place safety plugs in electrical sockets.
• Use cord holders to take up slack in loose cords.

Kitchen Safety

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
• Install childproof safety latches on drawers and cabinets.

Sleeping Safely

• 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.

Car Seat/Motor Vehicle Safety

• 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.

Fire Safety

• Keep cigarette smoke and butts away from your child and out of his/her reach.
• Keep matches and disposable lighters away from him/her.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home.
• NEVER leave him/her unsupervised near a fireplace or heater.

Water Safely

• 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.).

Eating Safely

• 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.

Sun Safety

• 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.

Toy Safety

• 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.

Gun Safety

• Store and lock guns, unloaded and uncocked in a securely locked container.
• Store ammunition in a locked place, separate from the gun.

Poison Prevention

• 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.

Pedestrian Safety

• 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.