Baby Proofing: Keeping Your Baby Safe

Baby Proofing: Keeping Your Baby Safe

Baby Proofing: Keeping Your Baby Safe!

  There are lots of dangers in your house for a baby which is why it is extremely important that new parents baby-proof everything they can to prevent harming their baby. When you think of baby-proofing, you probably think of outlet covers and those ridiculous cupboard locks that make it practically impossible for anyone to reach into the cupboard. Although these child-proofing tools are important, there are many more things that a new parent should do to prepare for their little one.

Suffocation

Preparing the right sleep environment is very important. You should have tight fitting sheets on your baby’s crib. Make sure there is no room between the crib and the mattress for your baby to fall into. If your baby sleeps with you, exercise great care and remove any lofty quilts or blankets that your baby could roll over and suffocate on. Never place your baby on a sofa, pillow or any other soft surface where she could roll over, suffocate or fall.

Choking

Before your baby arrives, you must educate yourself on what is and is not a choking hazard to your little one. Clear any areas within baby’s reach of small items such as buttons, coins or nails. Always do this long in advance of your baby being able to reach it or you will always be pulling things out of her mouth that she shouldn’t have. Also be sure not to feed your infant anything they cannot chew properly such as nuts, grapes, popcorn or hard candy. Children should never eat unsupervised. One wrong swallow can send them into a choking fit, and they would have no means to alert you.

Burns

Your baby’s first bath is a special time for both baby and her parents alike. However, a baby is much more sensitive to hot water than adults. A baby’s bath water should be tepid, no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent accidental burns, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that burns don’t occur only from water, never leave a cigarette unattended near a child or light a match in their presence. (You shouldn’t smoke around a child either!)

Drowning

Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death in children. Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub or near a pool. If the phone rings while your baby is bathing, either let it go or bring your baby with you. Never leave your baby, if only for a “second” because that’s all it takes for your baby to roll over and drown. Swimming lessons do not substitute for supervision around a pool area. Although it is highly recommended that all members of your family get instruction in swimming and life saving techniques, never assume that your child will be OK around the pool.

Though preparing to keep your baby safe may seem overwhelming, all of these things are in the best interest of you and your baby. By taking just this little extra caution before your baby gets here you will be keeping your baby safe and your mind will be at ease.