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We all have a story to tell of one small thing we forgot to do when we had our children, when baby and child-proofing our homes. This list can be used in the home where the child lives and any homes where the child visits frequently, such as grandparents and childcare givers. Here is a list of many of the things you need to consider when it comes to your baby's (child's) safety. This checklist can be printed and to taken with you through the house. The products I have listed on this page are an example of the hundreds of helpful products available from amazon.com.
THE NURSERY
Are the slats on your baby's crib less than 2-3/8 inches? This is the standard on all cribs made today, to prevent a baby's head from getting stuck. Please do not use a crib that was handed down to you, as the slats may not be up to standard.
Are all slats are secure? The corner posts should not be any higher than the end panels, and they should never extend over the end panels.
No holes or tears in the mattress?
Are all stuffed animals removed from the crib?
Ensure the crib is not near any windows, electrical outlets, lamps, no hanging pictures over the crib, etc. If you want a picture over the crib, consider painting a mural on the wall instead of hanging pictures that can fall.
Mobiles have been removed if baby can pull up?
Make sure your baby's crib is sturdy, and has no loose or missing hardware. This will prevent babies suffocating or strangling by becoming trapped between broken crib parts.
Are all outlets covered?
Are all blind and curtain cords shortened? Never place your baby's crib or furniture near window blind or curtain cords. This will prevent babies from strangling on the loop of the cord. To prevent falls, keep children away from windows.
Put your baby to sleep on her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath her. Follow this advice to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
A baby monitor can help parents to listen in on their infant or child's sleep, movement and/or activities when they are not in the child's room. This is helpful for night feedings and changings, children that may not be feeling well, and play activity. As a mother, I always became concerned when it got "too quiet" and would check up on my kids' activities (five kids, no noise... they were up to something!).
THE BATHROOM
Are all medicines, personal care items, and cleaning products in containers with safety caps and locked away from children? This means any items in the medicine cabinet, in the sink cabinet and on counter tops and drawers. This will prevent children from being poisoned.
Lock up any sharp or dangerous objects, such as scissors, razors, razor blades, fingernail files, and electrical items, such as hair dryers, curling irons, hot hair curlers, and so forth. Do not keep any of these items plugged in and if you are using these, do not leave them unattended. This will prevent injury and burns.
Always check bath water temperature with your wrist or elbow before putting your baby in to bathe. This will prevent burns to a baby's delicate skin. Check your hot water heater thermostat and make sure that it is set lower than usual in case a child turns on the hot water. This will prevent scalds.
NEVER, EVER, leave your child alone in the bathtub or near any water. This will prevent children from drowning. In addition, keep children away from all standing water, including water in toilets, 5-gallon buckets, and pools. If the phone or doorbell rings, remove the child from the water and take them with you.
Are all electrical outlets covered? Never leave anything plugged in.
Does the toilet seat have a latch? Small children are fascinated by the toilet and the water in it. This will prevent your baby from possible drowning in the toilet (not to mention prevent unwanted plumbing problems from toys being dropped into the toilet and flushed). Small children may try drinking the toilet water when thirsty (mine did, I kept wondering how they were getting glasses of water until I followed him one day). This can be not only very unsanitary but also can be poisonous if you use a toilet rim or tank cleaner such as those that turns the water blue.
Are all surfaces clean? It is very important to keep the surrounding toilet area clean to avoid illness. Lock away the toilet brush and any other unsanitary items along with the cleansers.
Is your bathroom carpeted? If not, be sure no water is left on the floor to avoid slipping. If you have throw rugs, be sure to have those with the rubber backs to prevent them from sliding on bare floors.
THE KITCHEN
Are all the electrical outlets covered? Do not leave any appliances plugged into an accessible outlet.
How are the latches on your cupboards holding up? Do you have any latches broken off and need to be replaced? Childproof all cupboards and drawers with child proofing devices that can be purchased at any hardware store. Small children climb very well and find it a challenge to get up into the cupboards for their favorite cookies.
Do not have stackable climbing items available in your kitchen (stools, boxes, chairs) that can be used to climb onto countertops or into cupboards.
Are all cords and electrical appliances out of your baby's reach?
Is your child's highchair, baby swing and strollers installed with safety straps? This will prevent injuries and deaths from the baby climbing out, falling, or sliding under the tray.
When you cook, are you using your stove's back burners? Keep pot handles turned to the back of the stove. This will prevent deaths and injuries from burns. In addition, keep children away from tablecloths, so they can't pull down hot foods or liquids on themselves.
Are all household cleaning products, knives, matches, and plastic bags locked away from children? This will prevent poisonings, bleeding injuries, burns, and suffocation.
Are all surfaces clean? It is very important to keep the floor and counters clean to avoid illness. Include cabinets, as babies love to hang onto them while Mommy is cooking dinner.
Is your kitchen carpeted? If not, be sure no water is left on the floor to avoid slipping. If you use throw rugs in the kitchen, be sure to obtain the ones with a rubber back to prevent them from sliding on the floor.
THE CAR
Car seat safety check. Is it properly installed (refer to installation instructions and vehicle owner's manual)? Use the center of the back seat whenever possible - never in front passenger side when there is an airbag. Rear-facing for infants less than one year and 20 pounds. Your child must still be in a car seat until they are four years old, and weigh at least 40 pounds.
MoonDragon's Parenting Information: Auto Safety
OTHER LIVING AREAS
Are smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas? Change the batteries each year. This will prevent deaths and injuries from fires. Have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire. Teach your children about fire safety and what to do.
Are carbon monoxide detectors installed on each floor of your home? This is especially important during winter months when furnaces are running, fireplaces are used, portable heaters are used, and the house is closed up tight for winter weather.
Are fire extinguishers full? Do adults and older children know how to use them? Have your fire extinguishers checked often and recharge them as needed. It is wise to have a CO2 extinguisher in your kitchen and others placed in throughout your house in areas that fires can occur, such as near sleeping quarters, family rooms, basements, garages, near fireplaces, etc. Never use a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire.
Are flashlights strategically placed in your home, with extra batteries available? If you use candles, make sure you use them carefully and away from any curtains or other flammable items. Never leave candles burning while unattended or while sleeping. If you use candles for religious purposes and must have them burning for any extended length of time until they burn out on their own, place them in a safe place (such as the kitchen sink) away from flammable items and areas. Be sure to keep them out of reach of babies and children (including the matches or lighters used to light them).
Is sleepwear fire retardant? Check the labels to be sure.
Are safety gates set up to keep baby out of harms-reach like stairways, fireplaces, and other areas baby shouldn't be? Make sure they are secure.
Are all small objects, including tiny toys and balloons, away from young children? This will prevent choking and possible death.
Check condition and sturdiness of toys. Discard any with sharp edges or ones that are broken or falling apart.
Is your baby's clothing free of loose buttons and strings.
Is baby's pacifier in good condition? Be sure it isn't coming apart. Never use strings to attach the pacifier to baby's clothes or crib.
Bolt bookshelves to the walls. Climbing little ones can bring the entire unit toppling over on top of them.
The best way to see if you have covered all the bases when it comes to Baby and Child Proofing your home is to get down on your hands and knees and crawl through your house. See what your child is seeing. Have you missed anything? Keep in mind, babies and children have a natural curiosity about everything in their environment. Things you may not even consider a potential threat can be made one when in the hands of a baby or small child.
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