| Is your home safe for your baby? Your home may | | | | - Secure furnishings (dressers, TV, book case, etc) to |
| feel like a safe sanctuary to you, but to your baby, it | | | | the wall to prevent toppling. |
| could be a mine field. Get your house ready for baby | | | | - Make sure table cloths are secured or removed to |
| by taking these precautions: | | | | prevent your child from pulling the table cloth and |
| - Keep potentially toxic items (such as cleaning agents, | | | | potentially injuring him/her from falling objects on the |
| medicines, vitamins, toiletries, mothballs, poisons, paint, oil, | | | | table. |
| gas, harmful plants, and other potentially hazardous | | | | - Place guards on the corners of your tables and other |
| items) out of your child's reach and utilize locks/latches | | | | sharp edges throughout your home. |
| on cabinet doors for added protection. Special note: | | | | - Utilize door stoppers to protect your baby's fingers. |
| Keep purses and bags out of your baby's reach also, | | | | - Keep windows locked and never leave a child |
| since these hold potentially hazardous items. | | | | unattended near an open window. |
| - Post the number for Poison Control (800) 222- 1222 | | | | - Never leave your baby unattended on any elevated |
| near your phone. | | | | surface (i.e. sofa, changing table, high chair, beds, etc.). |
| - Ensure all smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are | | | | Be sure to use your safety harnesses. |
| functioning properly and check the batteries every | | | | - Utilize safety belts/harnesses whenever possible (i.e. |
| week. | | | | high chairs, swings, changing table, strollers, etc.). |
| - Cover all electrical outlets with appropriate covers or | | | | - Keep plastic bags, balloons, string, and rope out of |
| block with furniture. Special note: Some commonly | | | | your baby's reach to prevent suffocation and/or |
| used outlet covers are potential choking hazards. Look | | | | strangulation. |
| for outlet covers that cover the entire outlet or require | | | | - Ensure stair and porch railings are no wider than 4 |
| an additional step to remove. You may even want to | | | | inches apart. If the railings are wider, then cover with |
| consider changing the entire outlet to a tamper | | | | banister guards to prevent falls and/or entrapment. |
| resistant one. | | | | - Never leave pets unattended around your baby. |
| - Secure any loose cords (electrical and blinds/drapes) | | | | Get down on the floor and look at each room through |
| to prevent accidental strangulation. | | | | your baby's eyes. It will be easier to see the potential |
| - Block passages to unsafe areas (stairs, bathrooms, | | | | dangers.Be sure to download our Emergency |
| laundry room, fireplaces, etc) by using gates, door knob | | | | Contacts sheet and keep accessible in the event of |
| covers, and by keeping doors closed and locked (if | | | | an emergency. Watching your baby become aware |
| able). | | | | of their surroundings and begin exploring their |
| - Secure toilet seats with appropriate safety latches | | | | environment will be a magical experience. Make sure |
| locks. | | | | it's a safe one too! |