Look at the world through your baby’s eyes to see what looks interesting and what can be reached. Get down on your hands and knees and check for small things your baby can choke on like coins and small toy parts.
Babies are so vulnerable; they need constant supervision by a mature person. Don’t rely on older siblings to take care of your baby. Even older children don’t recognize dangers at times and may not be able to provide the best protection for your baby.
Safety Basics at Home
Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors inside all bedrooms, outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Test alarms monthly and change batteries once a year.
Install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Stair gates at the top must be attached to the wall with hardware.
Secure furniture to the wall to avoid tip overs.
Use cordless window coverings.
Install window guards on all windows above the first floor.
Keep these out of reach:
electrical cords
frayed or damaged cords
uncovered outlets
plastic bags
matches
lighters
candles
fireplaces
space heaters
irons
guns
small objects (like jewelry, buttons, pins, paper clips, nails, stones, etc.)
Keep a first aid kit on hand.
Place emergency numbers and the poison control hotline, 1-800-222-1222, by every phone and in your cell phones.
Prevent Poisonings
Babies have a slow digestion, so dangerous things in small amounts can be poisonous.
Lock up medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, pet food, alcohol, poisonous plants, and chemicals (like paint, gasoline, etc.) out of your baby’s reach.
Read labels and follow directions when giving medicine to your baby.
Use child-resistant caps.
Prevent Falls
Falls from furniture (cribs, changing tables, highchairs, and strollers) are the most common type of falls in babies 3-11 months old.
Don’t leave your baby unattended.
Keep one hand on your baby while changing diapers.
When your baby is in a carrier, place it on the floor and not on top of a table, washer, dryer or other piece of furniture.
