When it comes to our children, there’s nothing more important than keeping them safe. Yet, new and first-time parents have a lot of information thrown at them on what’s right and what’s wrong when raising kids. Often times, it’s even contradicting.
So, to keep it easy, Security Equipment Inc. wanted to provide some of the most essential tips for new parents wanting to keep their babies safe!
Every September, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association sponsors Baby Safety Month, making it the perfect time to put into action some simple steps to creating a safe space for your baby.
Baby Safety Checklist
- Babies sleep, a lot. To ensure their crib is safe, keep pillows, blankets, and toys out of their crib, place them on their back to sleep, and always use a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
- Speaking of the crib, make sure to place it away from any windows or other furniture. Keep them away from strings or cords from the blinds and prevent falls or strangulation.
- Babyproof your home and consider it an ongoing process. The best way to babyproof is by getting on your hands and knees and thinking like a baby! Cover electrical sockets, lock cabinets and drawers, and analyze everything—such as poisonous plants!
- Always use a car seat when driving with your baby. They should face the rear until they meet the requirements and be sure to check the label for expiration dates because, yes, they do expire! Also, for good measure, never use a car seat that’s been in an accident.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scales. This ensures the water will never get to a point that could injure your child.
- Never, ever leave your child unattended in or near water. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages 1-4. Consider adding proper barriers, alarms, or locked doors on or around your pool and spa.
- Use caution if you decide to use a baby sling, particularly with infants, premature babies, and babies with colds and respiratory problems. Be sure to not cover the baby’s face when in a sling, that nothing is blocking the baby’s nose or mouth, and to avoid nursing in a sling.
- Check for recalls on any products you use for your baby! You can register products so that the manufacturer can contact you should a problem arise with any product.
- Install working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test the alarms regularly to make sure they are working and look into having them monitored so you and your family are always alerted, and emergency services are called quickly.
- Add a home security system for optimal safety and peace of mind. Keep your baby and your family safe from intruders, monitor for fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, combustible gas, and water, and cover all your bases with alarms built for doors, windows, and garages.
We hope this provides new or expecting parents with easy-to-implement yet lifesaving safety tips! Have some tips of your own? Let us know in the comments!
