Exploration and discovery are vital steps in an infant’s cognitive development.
As parents, it’s your duty to make sure that process is safe.
Even if your infant is not yet crawling, they can still get into plenty of trouble.
It seems that no matter how many toys an infant has, they always reach for what they should not touch.
Preparing your home for your baby will keep you sane and them safe.
#10 – Bath Time
- Never, ever leave your baby alone, even for a few seconds.
- Fill the tub only enough to cover your baby’s legs (a maximum of 2-3 inches).
- Use only warm, never hot, water. Test the water temperature using your wrist as the skin is more delicate in that area.
- Keep a non-slip mat in the bathtub as well as on the floor next to the tub.
#9 – Changing Tables
- Keep a hand on your baby at all times.
- Keep toiletries within your reach but not the baby’s.
- Use a baby strap to secure your baby.
- Never leave your child alone on the changing table.
#8 – Clothing
- Never use clothes with drawstrings on infants and young children.
- Small, detachable pieces on clothing can be choking hazards. This includes zipper heads, buttons, ribbons and snaps. Avoid buying clothes with decorative appliques, and check your baby’s clothes after every wash.
- Sleepwear must be flame-resistant. Federal regulations require sleepwear for children nine months and older to be flame-resistant or snug-fitting. Snug-fitting sleepwear is believed to be safe because there is no loose fabric to come in contact with a flame. The snugness will also limit available oxygen.
#7 – Cribs
- Keep the crib clear of soft, fluffy bedding such as pillows, comforters, sheepskins and crib bumpers. These present a strangulation or suffocation threat.
- Do not use drop-side cribs.
- Do not leave toys in the crib when your baby is sleeping.
#6 – Cords, Cables, Outlets and Appliances
- All unused outlets should be covered with outlet covers.
- Keep electrical cords and cables out of reach. Use cable shield or cord cover when appropriate.
- Go through your home, and place all small gadgets out of reach. These include everything from toasters to blow dryers.
#5 – Fireplaces
- Install a secure fireplace screen, and keep it in place when a fire is burning.
- Keep gas fireplace keys, matches and other fireplace tools out of reach.
- Stow logs in a safe place.
- If the fireplace base is raised, block off sharp corners from your baby.
- Never leave your child alone in a room when there is an active fire.
Baby Crawling – Everything You Need To Know Resource Guideesource Guide
#4 – Furniture
- Secure furniture that can topple to the wall including bookcases and chests.
- Anchor a flat-screen television with safety straps or mount it securely on a wall.
- Use corner and edge guards on any furniture with sharp edges.
- Keep heavy items (that can topple) out of reach of children.
- Secure tall, unstable lamps behind furniture.
#3 – Poison Proofing
- Move cleaning agents, toiletries, vitamins, soaps and medication out of reach of children. Use a child-safety lock to secure where they are kept.
- Keep purses and backpacks that can contain dangerous items (medications, small and/or sharp objects) away from children.
- Get rid of toxic houseplants such as philodendron, lilies, oleander and ivy.
- Post the number for the Poison Control National Emergency Hotline, (800) 222-1222, in a prominent place.
#2 – Toys
- Buy age-appropriate toys.
- Check toys frequently to make sure that there are no loose pieces and that they in good working order.
- Toys should be free of buttons, beads, ribbons, or any other small piece that present a choking hazard.
#1 – Around the House
- Keep sharp, breakable or heavy items locked up or out of reach.
- Use safety gates, door locks and knob covers to limit access.
- Cut looped window cords; use cord stops and safety tassels as a substitution.
- Do not use tablecloths or placemats.
- Cover or block access to any radiators and space heaters.
- Secure the refrigerator with an appliance latch.
- Keep a single, low cupboard unlocked and filled with baby-safe items to interest babies.
- Install a toilet-seat lock to prevent drowning.
