Bedroom Safety
- Slats should be no more than two-and-three-eighths inches apart
- Check for lead paint
- You should be able to insert no more than two fingers between the mattress and crib slats
- No finials on the crib corners (to avoid head entrapment)
- Crib should have a two-step lock/release system
- Put your baby to sleep on his/her back or side
- Never place your baby's crib or furniture near window blinds or curtain cords
If your crib was made prior to 1991, make sure it meets the current safety standards recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (800-638-2772).
Kitchen Safety
- Ensure that coffee, hot liquids, and hot foods are placed out of your child's reach
- Ensure that knives and other sharp objects are kept out of your child's reach
- Store all household chemicals/ cleaners in a high, latched cupboard
- All cabinets and drawers should be securely latched
Bathroom Safety
- A toilet latch/lock will prevent a baby from falling in and drowning. When using a pail or bucket, make sure your infant is in a safe place. Empty the pail immediately after use! Each year, a small number of children fall into pails head first and drown. It can happen in as little as one inch of water.
- To prevent drowning, make sure all toilets are securely latched and empty pails or buckets immediately after use.
- Ensure medicine and vitamins are stored out of children’s reach.
- Electrical appliances such as radios and hairdryers should be unplugged and kept away from water and out of children’s reach.
- Children should always be supervised by an adult.
- To prevent scalding, set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
General Safety
- Secure electrical outlets by replacing covers with safety plates that snap closed when not in use.
- All cords should be rolled up and out of reach of children and table clothes should be removed.
- Install window guards that prevent windows from opening more than three inches.
- If your home has screens, be sure they are securely in place.
- Emergency numbers, including your pediatrician, hospital, poison control center, and parents’ work numbers should be next to the phone.
- Test your smoke alarms every month.
