As parents, one of your top
priorities is the safety and well-being of your children. With all the
potential pitfalls of day-to-day life, however, navigating the risks can be
difficult.
These everyday safety tips can help
you navigate everything from car seat safety to baby-proofing and safe
sleep, keeping your child out of harm’s way as much as
possible from birth through his or her toddler years.
Car Seat Safety
- Always use a valid (typically less than 6 years
old), federally approved car seat in motor vehicles.
- Ensure the seat is properly installed. Refer to
the instruction manual with any questions.
- If you use an infant carrier, strap your child
in on the floor, never a counter or tabletop.
- For at least the first two years of your child’s
life, the car seat should be rear-facing.
- The safest location for a car seat is in the
middle of the back seat.
READ MORE: Little Explorers need a Safety Net Too
Choking Prevention
- Avoid giving your child nuts, popcorn, hard
candies, hot dogs and raw fruits and vegetables, such as grapes or carrots,
that may present a choking hazard.
- Never prop up a bottle and leave your baby
unattended.
- Inspect toys often to ensure they’re not broken
and do not have small pieces that could easily become detached.
- Be cautious of strings and buttons on clothing.
Safe Sleep
- The safest place for your baby to sleep is on
his or her back, which reduces the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS).
- Avoid placing anything in the crib or bassinet
that may suffocate your child, such as pillows, blankets or bumpers.
- Keep your child’s room at a moderate temperature
and dress him or her appropriately to avoid overheating.
- Never leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, changing
table, swing or infant seat.
Water Safety
- Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 F.
- Test the temperature of bath water before
setting your baby in the tub.
- Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub.
- Keep toilet lids down and consider installing
toilet lid locks.
Baby-Proofing
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on
every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
- Secure cords on blinds and drapes out of reach.
- Keep sharp objects, such as knives, scissors and
tools, and other hazardous items, like coins, beads and pins, in a secure place
out of baby’s reach.
- Store cleaning products and medications in
locked cabinets. Never store potentially toxic substances in containers that could
be mistaken for food or drink.
- Cover all electrical outlets.
- Cushion hard edges and sharp corners of furniture
and decor.
- Secure cords to electrical items along
baseboards using electrical tape.
- Attach heavy or tall furniture to the wall and
avoid placing items that could fall, like electronics or lamps, on top of dressers
or shelves.
- Install safety gates with straight, vertical
slats securely in front of all stairwells.
Find more tips and ideas to keep your children safe at home and
on the go at eLivingtoday.com.
Courtesy Family Features
Photo: Getty Images
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