Print   |    Bookmark 

10/7/2008 - by Anne Marie Nielson
  
Baby Safety

Now that you have a little one in your home and soon to running around, you will need to make sure she stays safe. Starting from day one, there are dangers that may cause your child harm. By going through your home and safeguarding some of these potential dangers, your child will grow up much safer and with less worry on your part.

One of the first things you can do to keep your baby safe is to lay her down to sleep on her back. Babies who sleep in their bed on their stomachs run the risk of not being able to breathe if their noses get pushed into the bedding. Make sure your baby cannot get tangled in any strings or ties, and that you do not put plush toys, pillows or thick blankets in their bed.

If you use a changing table or stroller, use the safety straps to restrain them from falling. Baby swings, jumpers and other baby gadgets should also have restraints to keep baby in the right position so they don't get hurt.

Turn your hot water heater down. Many people have their water heater turned to the highest setting, which can scald a baby or small child. Set your water heater to a safer temperature to prevent accidental burns.

If you haven't done so already, install smoke alarms. If the ones in your home are over ten years old, replace them with new models. Be sure to check the batteries twice a year. You can also install radon alarms and carbon monoxide alarms if these are problems in your area.

Don't let your baby play with small items that may cause choking. Coins, jewelry, buttons, latex balloons and more can get caught in baby's throat. Don't let your baby play with magnets. If more than one gets swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause a lot of damage or even death.

When your baby eats solid foods, make sure they are properly pureed or cut into small bites once your baby has enough teeth to manage chewing. Keep your child sitting while eating so they don't choke. You'll want to avoid certain foods that are easy to choke on like grapes, peanuts, hard candy, hot dogs and other round foods.

After all the news about toys from China containing lead, you probably know to read the labels on your baby's toys carefully before giving them to her. Follow age appropriate recommendations as well for your child's safety.

When your child becomes mobile, make sure window blind cords are high enough that your baby cannot reach them. If there is a loop, cut it in half so it can't get caught around your baby's neck. Use safety gates in doorways to keep your child away from stairs. Keep dangerous household chemicals and cleansers locked away where baby can't reach them. Medications, scissors and other dangerous everyday items should be kept up. Use child safety locks on kitchen cabinets, the refrigerator, the oven and the toilet.

You'll sleep easier knowing you've done everything you can to keep your child safe. You'll be able to enjoy your baby and the time you spend together.

At From Pregnancy To Baby, we try to provide you with all of the latest information about going through your pregnancy from your first trimester to the first years of your new babies life. We also provide the highest quality books and products to help you through that time.

Source: http://www.frompregnancytobaby.com/Articles/Baby-Safety.html