Babies are curious. They’re learning about the world and everything is a new experience. While you already know that playing with electrical outlets is dangerous and that bright blue bottle of cleaning solution is poisonous, babies do not.
New parents often worry a lot, and more stress if the last thing you need. Baby-proofing your house can help you feel calmer and more confident — and keep your baby safe, too. Take these steps to make your home baby-friendly.
Avoid tap water scalds
Make sure that your water heater is set to a maximum temperature no more than 125 °F. A baby’s bathwater should be no warmer than 100 °F.
Watch your baby around water
Bathtubs and buckets can be as dangerous as a swimming pool for a baby. Be mindful that even a few inches of water can present a risk for small children, and keep a close eye on them when they are in or around water.
Keep your home tidy
Don’t leave things on the floor that could potentially harm your baby. Even an accidentally dropped coin can be a risk to your child.
Certain toys can be dangerous
Be careful with small toys, or toys that use batteries. A child can suffer serious injuries in as little as two hours by swallowing a battery.
Toys now come labeled if they contain small parts that could be dangerous for little children, so watch for that label. If you have handmade or hand-me-down toys or buy toys at yard sales so you don’t see those labels, check carefully for small part.
Baby proof your home
Make sure that there is nothing dangerous within your child’s reach. Lock low cupboards and cabinets.
Pad sharp corners or edges.
Secure things that could tip over. Anchor things such as television screens and furniture that could topple over to the wall.
Try to remove low hanging cords and drawstrings, or keep them out of reach.
Cover electrical outlets that are not being used.
Sleeping
Your baby should sleep on his or her back in crib without loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or other loose items.These things may look cute in the bassinette, but they should be pulled out when you put your infant down to sleep.
Never share the bed with your baby. Bed-sharing increases your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Have safety in mind everywhere you go, even the grocery store
Babies love the stimulation of running errands with you, and a trip to the store can be a fun outing. But that moment when you step away from the cart to pick out the perfect tomato can leave your child at risk.
Thousands of children are treated in hospitals each year because they fell from a shopping cart. A fall from this height can be fatal for babies. – don’t let your child stand or play in a shopping cart.
Many grocery carts have room for your baby’s car seat, or seat belts to help keep babies safe.
Keep your baby safe in the car
Make sure your baby has the right car seat, and also make sure that the car seat is installed properly. As your child grows older, don’t rely on age alone to choose the right car seat. Make your decision based on weight as well as age.
Supervision is key
The best way to make sure that your baby stays safe and healthy is by watching her. It’s hard to keep an eye on Baby all the time when you have so many other things to do, but it’s essential.
The time you spend in close connection with your baby is precious, and that close connection is the best way to keep your baby safe.
Have your numbers handy
Accidents can happen, even under supervision, so make sure that you have your child’s doctor information readily available. For medical emergencies, call 911.
If your child has a bite or sting, a reaction to food, or has ingested or been exposed to a harmful substance, call Arkansas Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or http://arpoisoncenter.org/.
Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics Acute Care Clinic and Walk-in Clinic are wonderful options for non-emergencies. You can reach the Acute Care Clinic at (479) 442-7322.