At Home Child Safety
The Birthing Center
Location: 4, 5 & 6 North
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715
Birthing Center Triage Line: (608) 417-6228
Breastfeeding Helpline: (608) 417-6547, 1-800-261-4449
Patient Room Information: (608) 417-6000
Perinatal Clinic: (608) 417-6667
Newborn Intensive Care Unit: (608) 417-6215
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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.
- Bumper pads are not recommended.
- 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
- Wisconsin law states that babies under one year MUST ride rear-facing until they are at least 20 pounds AND one year old. However, it is recommended that you use a car seat that will allow your baby to face the rear through age 2 or to the upper weight and height limits of the rear facing seat.
- The back seat is the safest. Use the middle position if you can install the car seat securely in this position.
- For a free car seat inspection, call (608) 890-8999.
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 Safety
- Set hot water heater no higher than 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 Safety
- 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.