My Baby Safety Checklist

Preparing for a new baby or adapting your environment to grow with your child takes careful preparation. Making your home a safe haven for your baby is one of the most important things you can do. Your home is set up for adults, but each room contains its own set of dangers for crawlers, walkers and curious toddlers differently. Take the time to make each room in your home safe for your child to explore. The following is a great place to start!

___ Place child-resistant covers on all electrical outlets.

___ Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.

___ Keep all dangerous chemicals out of the reach of children.

___ Shorten curtain and blind cords.

___ Keep all small objects away from children under 3 when their more likely to put thing in their mouths

___ Use corner bumpers on furniture and fireplace-hearth edges.

___ Know the names of all plants and keep a the number for poison control handy.

___ Place screened barriers around fireplaces, radiators, and portable space heaters.

___ Secure furnishings.

___ Keep bathroom doors closed and toilet seat lids down. Consider toilet seat locks. Children can drown in a very little amount of water.

___ Ensure that your crib meets national safety standards. Consider buying a JPMA Certified crib.

___ Place guards on windows and stops on all doors.

___ The mattress and crib sheet fits snugly.

___ Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table.

___ Remove mobiles and other hanging toys from the crib as soon as your child can reach up and touch them.

___ Place infants under one year of age on their backs to sleep. Mattress should be firm and flat with no soft bedding underneath.

___ Keep all knives, cleaning supplies, and plastic bags out of children's reach.

___ If stove knobs are easily accessible to children, use protective covers to prevent kids from turning them.

___ Never leave your baby alone in a high chair or booster seat. Always use all safety straps.