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Home Baby Safety Checklist

There are many things around the typical home that can hurt babies. It is important to safety-proof your house before bringing a baby into it. Responsible parents need to make sure that there are no choking hazards, fire hazards or chances of baby getting into anything poisonous.

  1. Choking and Suffocation Hazards

    • It is important to give babies toys that they cannot accidentally be swallowed.

      To keep baby from suffocating while sleeping, put him to bed on his back. It is important to keep toys and pillows out of the crib during sleep time. As soon as baby is old enough to sit up, remove any mobiles that are hanging above the crib. Do not give baby any small toys or leave anything around that can fit into his mouth.

    Fire Safety

    • Smoke alarms are needed in all houses, with babies or without.

      Every bedroom should have a smoke alarm, either inside or right outside it. Check them once every month to be sure that batteries are good and the alarm is functioning properly. There are many more steps to take once baby is a toddler, like setting up a fire drill so that children know what to do in the event of an emergency. The Home Safety Council suggests having a baby carrier that is easily moved with one hand, in case crawling under smoke is required.

    Safety from Falling Injuries

    • A safety gate will keep a crawling baby from falling down the stairs.

      Place safety gates at both the top and bottom of any stairs or steps. Safety straps should be used on high chairs, changing tables and in strollers so that baby cannot roll off or climb out. Window guards or window stops should be put in when baby starts moving around and walking.

    Poison Safety

    • Some household cleaners are poisonous.

      Read labels on all of the under-the-sink products in your home to know which ones are poisonous. Keep them up high or put locks or stoppers on the cupboards to keep curious fingers out. Heaters, stoves and fireplaces should be checked once a year. You should also have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

    Water Safety

    • Bath time can be both fun and dangerous.

      Store large buckets upside-down to keep baby from exploring. Use a lock on the toilet lid, as a walking baby could fall in and drown. Keep the hot water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as hot water can be scalding and babies have thin skin. Baby bathwater should be no more than 100 degrees, according to the Home Safety Council. And never leave a baby unattended in the bath.

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