S A F E T Y  
T I P S
Please click on the Safety Tips topic you would like to read.

BEDDING

• Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current federal standards.

• Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.

• ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on  the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.

• Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position.

• Mobiles should be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.

• Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.


CHANGING TABLES

• Changing table should have straps that help prevent baby from falling.

• Place baby products needed for changing easily accessible.
HIGH CHAIRS

• Always use waist and crotch restraints.

• Keep high chair far enough from the table, counter or wall so baby can’t push off from it.

• Never allow baby to stand up on a high chair. It can topple over.


PORTABLE HOOK-ON CHAIRS

• Chair should have strong clamp-on device, which keeps seat level.

• Do not use on a glass or loose tabletop.

• Always secure the waist and crotch straps.


BATH SEATS

• A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub, BUT it will NOT protect him or her from injury or drowning.

• Collect all bathing materials before bringing baby into bathroom.


CAR SEATS & BOOSTER SEATS

• Make sure the car seat/ booster seat is appropriate for the child’s weight and height.

• The back seat is the safest place to ride.

• Infants must ride rear facing.

• Never use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.

• Do not use a car seat/ booster seat that is more than 6 years old.

• Do not use a car seat/ booster seat that has ever been involved in a crash.

• Never buy a used car seat or booster seat.

• Set a good example and make sure everyone in the car uses  seat belts.


INFANT SEATS

• Never place on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces.  Infant seats can roll over and suffocate baby.

• Use the restraining straps.
FULL-SIZE CRIBS

• ALWAYS keep the drop side up when baby is in the crib.

• Never place crib near windows, draperied, or blinds.

• Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more that 2 3/8” apart, and none should be loose or missing.

• No cutout areas on headboard or footboard so baby’s head cannot get trapped.

• No cracked or peeling paint.

• No splinters or rough edges.


CRIB TOYS

• Remove all toys, teethers and plush toys out of baby’s crib when baby is sleeping or unattended.

• Never string a pacifier or any other item around baby’s neck.
FEEDING

• Test all warmed foods for comfortable eating temperature.

• When micro-waving food make sure you stir food from the center out to make sure temperature is even.

• Baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.


PACIFIERS

• Make sure pacifier’s protective shield has ventilation holes and is large enough so it can’t fit in baby’s mouth.

• Never string a pacifier or any other item around baby’s neck.
GATES & ENCLOSURES

• Anchor the gate securely in doorway or stairway.

• Always close the gate when you leave the room.

• Some gates are not appropriate for use at the top of stairs.

• Pet doors should be blocked so children do not follow animals outside.
HOUSEHOLD DANGERS

• It is a parents job to CHILDPROOF your home to provide a safe environment so baby and explore his or her world.

• Make sure electrical outlets are covered with childproof receptacle cover plates.

• Make sure plastic wrap and plastic bags are out of reach.

• Ordinary plants can be dangerous if baby decides to taste it.

•  Make sure baby does not have access to pools, toilets, diaper pails, cleaning buckets,  bathtubs etc.  It is possible for a baby to drown in as little as 2 inches of water.

• Childproof safety locks can be helpful in keeping medicines, cleaning products, matches, lighters etc. out of harms way.

• Keep a first aid kit in the home for the whole family.  Include SYRUP OF EPECAC.

• Never let children play with pots and pans, they will think of them as toys.

• When cooking, all pot handles should be turned in so the baby cannot reach up and pull the handle.  If possible, use back burners.

• Turn your hot water heater to below 120 degrees to prevent scalding.

• Make sure the poison control number is easily accessible
                                   1-800-222-1222.
WALKERS

• Choose a sturdy walker recommended for the proper weight and height of baby.

• Wheelbase should be longer and wider that the frame of the walker itself.

• Only use on smooth surface.


CARRIAGES & STROLLERS

• Choose a carriage or stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping.

• ALWAYS secure baby by using the safety belts.

• Use the locking device to prevent accidental folding.


CARRIERS & SWINGS

• Baby should fit snugly in the carrier with the head supported and weight evenly distributed.

• Select a portable swing with strong posts, legs and a wide stance to prevent tipping.