Becoming a new parent is such an amazing blessing. However, along with all of the amazing first moments of becoming new parents, there are also challenges, like keeping your child out of harm’s way. Here are 6 safety tips every parent should be aware of:
Falls
To prevent serious falls, lock the doors to any dangerous areas. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of each stairway and install operable window guards above the first floor. If you use an infant carrier, always place it on the floor, never on a counter or tabletop. Make sure if the baby is always strapped in.
Smoking and Fire Safety
Do not smoke and do not allow smoking around your baby. Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Change the batteries of your smoke detectors every six months.
Poisonings
Children tend to put everything in their mouths, even if it doesn’t taste good. Keep all medicines (and vitamins as well) out of the reach of children. Don’t refer to medicine as “candy.” Keep all the cleaning products or other dangerous products out of the reach of children and/or in a locked cabinet.
Burns
Make sure you keep your child away from the kitchen. Do not hold hot liquids while holding your baby. Keep items such as matches, lighters, curling irons, candles, and hot foods and liquids out of a child’s reach.
Choking
NEVER put strings or cords around your baby’s neck (such as to hold a pacifier) or near baby’s crib. Be cautious of strings or buttons on clothing; make sure they are not in danger of choking your baby.
Until age 4 avoid foods that can block the airways such as peanut butter, hot dogs, popcorn, whole grapes, raw carrots, raisins, nuts, hard candies or toffees, and chewing gum. Be vigilant. Small children put many things in their mouths. A watchful adult is often the best defense.
Bath Time Monitoring
It’s common for parents to leave their children along during bath time. But unfortunately, more than half of all infant drowning occurrences happen there. Always drain the tub first or take the child with you when answering the phone, door, etc.