Safety Tips for Your New Baby

Here is a list of helpful safety tips that could make a big difference in preventing accidents and injuries.

• Never leave your baby unattended, especially when lying on a bed, table or other surface. Never leave an infant or child unattended in a car, not even for a second.
• Keep small and loose objects away from babies. Buttons, peanuts, candy, beads or anything small that can be swallowed is harmful.
• Keep plastic wrap and plastic bags (garbage, grocery, garment) out of reach to prevent suffocation.
• Remove sharp items from reach, including scissors, knives, etc. Tuck safely away in tight containers.
• Childproof wall sockets, doorknobs and cabinets with cleaning products. Babies are very curious.
• Make sure all stairs have a gate to prevent baby from crawling up or falling down. Also, if you have a pool, make sure there is a fence around the pool with a gate that is securely locked.
• When the baby is old enough, choose a highchair that is sturdy and will not tip over.
• Never leave the baby alone at bath time, and be sure the water is not too hot.
• Remove any strings, ribbons, blankets, pacifiers and fluffy animals from the crib and surrounding area.
• Make sure the baby’s room has good airflow and that the temperature is not too hot or too cold.
• Never hold your baby when cooking or holding hot pans or dishes. If you must smoke, do not smoke around your baby or hold baby while smoking. Not only can your baby get burned, but the smoke is harmful to their lungs.
• Ask a healthcare provider to recommend a sunscreen and the appropriate age to begin using it.
• Always keep car windows and doors locked that are closest to baby.
• Make sure guns are locked up and out of reach.
• Never shake your baby. Major trauma and even death can result from shaking.