Baby Safety Tips

Do yourself a favor and stay a few steps ahead in baby-proofing your home.

* Make sure smoke detectors are installed and working properly.
* Put safety plugs into all electrical outlets.
* Don't leave electrical cords dangling where your baby can reach them.
* Unplug all appliances, like hair dryers or electric razors, in the bathroom.
* Install baby-proof latches on all drawers and cabinets.
* Keep toilet lids closed or use latches.
* Install safety gates at both the top and the bottom of stairs.
* Avoid using accordion-style gates for doorways or stairs (a baby's arm or neck can get trapped). Opt for horizontal gates with slats that are 2 3/8 inches apart.
* Remove poisonous plants or ones with sharp thistles.
* Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
* Turn your water heater down to below 120° to prevent scalding.
* Place a non-slip mat or strips on the bottom of your bathtub.

The Changing Table

* Make sure the changing table is sturdy and has two-inch guardrails all around.
* The top of the changing table should curve in, with the sides slightly higher than the center.
* Don't leave your child alone on a changing table, even if there's a safety harness.
* Keep all baby supplies within reach (for you, not baby).
* Pieces of plastic diaper can be dangerous if your baby tears them off and swallows them.

Car Seats

* It's a law in every state that infants must ride in a federally-approved car seat. Do not use one that's more than 10 years old.
* Learn how to install and use your infant car seat before your baby is born. You'll need to bring him home from the hospital in one.
* The most effective seat has a five-point harness, with two shoulder straps, a lap belt, and a strap that goes through your baby's legs. These harness straps should fit snugly against your baby's body. Make sure the restraints are easy to fasten and unfasten.
* The safest place to install the infant seat is the center of your car's back seat. Install it facing backward. When your baby gets older, you can move up to a forward-facing toddler or convertible seat.
* Never place a rear-facing infant car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Not even if the vehicle has a switch that lets you to turn off the air bag.
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions about threading seat belts through the correct slots. Your car's seat belt may require a special locking clip to hold it tight. If you rock the seat back and forth, there should be no movement at all.

Baby Carriers, Backpacks and Frontpacks

* Look for a carrier made of sturdy materials that offers full back support for the baby. Make sure your baby can't slip through the leg holes.
* If your backpack has an aluminum frame, make sure it's well-padded in case your baby bumps in it.
* Inspect the carrier's seams, straps, and fasteners frequently.
* Never bend at the waist when using a back carrier. You'll risk back injury, and your baby could topple out. Always bend at the knees.
* Always use the restraining straps. Especially once your baby is about five months old (and restless).

Strollers and Baby Carriages

* Choose a carriage/stroller with a wide base, to minimize the risk of it tipping over.
* Make sure any toys strung across the carriage are well-fastened.
* Always secure your baby with the seat belt and harness.
* As soon as your baby can sit up alone, it's time to stop using a carriage.
* If there's a basket attached to your stroller, it should be low and near the wheels, for better balance.
* Make sure the model you choose has easy-to-operate brakes on the wheels.
* If you need a twin stroller, get one with a footrest that extends all the way across both sitting areas, instead of one footrest for each child.
* When opening or closing a collapsible stroller, keep your baby's fingers away from the hinges.
* Be sure your baby can't reach the release lever on your collapsible stroller when you're stopped.
* Do not hang your diaper or shopping bags on the handles as it could make the stroller tip over. Use the carrying basket instead.
* Never leave your baby unattended.

Also see:
Childproofing Your Home: 10 Must-Do's