Preparing for a Baby: Home Safety 101

Preparing for a Baby: Home Safety 101

Baby- proofing your home is critical. Without proper preparation, a baby or young child will get him or herself into trouble. Read through the text below and the checklist to ensure you’re prepared.
  • Medications ​​should be locked away in a medicine cabinet and out of reach. Same rules apply for cleaning supplies and hazardous chemicals. Buy latches and locks for your cabinets.
  • Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors ​​should be checked that they’re working, and a fire extinguisher should be readily accessible in your kitchen.
  • Checking for choking hazards​​, like refrigerator magnets that are low down, as well as hanging cords from appliances or blinds.
  • Cover sharp corners​​ and outlets to make sure furniture and large devices, like TVs are safely fastened to the wall.
  • Safe sleep guidelines are critical​​,especially during the first year when sudden infant death syndrome is most likely to occur. Remove bedding such as bumpers, stuffed animals, pillows and blankets from babies crib or bassinet to prevent suffocation. Their mattress should be firm and you should never sleep with a baby in your bed. And, baby should always sleep on his back-never on his stomach.
  • Don’t ever leave baby unattended​​ on a changing table, with other kids or pets or in a bathtub or car.
    • Checklist
      • Adjust water heater to 120°F Max to prevent serious burns
      • Anti-slip mats
      • Bath spout cover
      • Chord sure a nurse for blinds/curtains
      • Drawer and cabinet locks
      • Install/check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
      • Outlet/power strip covers
      • Oven latch
      • Safety gates
      • Secure furniture to wall
      • Toilet lock
      • Window locks
      • Corner guards
      • Have car seat installation checked
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