Baby Safety Guide

As your baby starts moving, accident risks increase significantly. Most accidents are preventable with proper preparation and awareness.

1. Home Safety by Room

Living Room

• Corner protectors: On coffee tables, TV stands, and fireplace hearths
• Outlet covers: Cover all unused electrical outlets
• TV anchoring: Secure to wall or use anti-tip straps
• Cord management: Bundle and hide electrical cords and blind strings
• Cabinet locks: On all accessible drawers and cabinets
• Remove small items: Coins, batteries, decorations within reach

Kitchen

• Safety gate: Block kitchen entry entirely if possible
• Knives and scissors: Store in high, locked locations
• Cleaning supplies: Use cabinet locks or store up high
• Pot handles: Turn inward on the stove
• Hot food and drinks: Keep away from table edges
• Appliance cords: Keep unplugged and out of reach

Bathroom

• Never leave baby alone: Even for a moment in the bath
• Non-slip mats: In the tub and on the floor
• Water temperature: Set water heater to 120°F (49°C) or below
• Medications: Store in locked cabinet
• Toilet lock: Prevents drowning hazard
• Electrical items: Keep hair dryers, curling irons away from water

Bedroom/Nursery

• Crib safety: Remove all soft items (see Safe Sleep section)
• Blind cords: Cut or use cordless blinds
• Furniture anchoring: Secure dressers to wall with L-brackets
• Drawer locks: Prevent climbing and access to items
• Window guards: Prevent falls (windows should open less than 4 inches)

2. Safe Sleep (AAP Guidelines)

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these practices to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and sleep-related deaths:

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

• A - Alone: Baby should sleep alone in their own sleep space
• B - Back: Always place baby on their back to sleep
• C - Crib: Use a firm, flat surface in a safety-approved crib

What to Remove from the Crib

• No loose blankets: Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead
• No pillows: Until at least 12 months old
• No stuffed animals: Until at least 12 months old
• No crib bumpers: Including mesh bumpers (not recommended)
• No positioners: Wedges, rolls, or sleep positioners

Additional Safe Sleep Tips

• Room sharing: Recommended for at least 6 months, ideally 12 months
• Pacifier use: Offer at sleep time (associated with reduced SIDS risk)
• Avoid overheating: Room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C)
• No smoking: Keep baby's environment smoke-free
• Tummy time when awake: Helps prevent flat head and builds strength

3. Choking Hazards

High-Risk Items

• Coins and buttons: Keep out of reach
• Button batteries: Extremely dangerous if swallowed
• Small toy parts: Check age recommendations on toys
• Balloons: Deflated or popped pieces are choking hazards
• Food: Grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, hard candy
• Magnets: Especially small, high-powered magnets

The Toilet Paper Roll Test

Rule of thumb: If an object can fit through a toilet paper roll (about 1.75 inches / 4.4 cm diameter), it's a choking hazard for children under 3.

Food Safety Tips

• Cut food properly: Grapes lengthwise into quarters, hot dogs lengthwise
• Avoid hard foods: Raw carrots, whole nuts, popcorn until age 4
• Supervise meals: Always watch baby while eating
• Sitting upright: Baby should be seated while eating, never lying down

What to Do If Baby Is Choking

• Step 1: Give 5 back blows (between shoulder blades)
• Step 2: Give 5 chest thrusts (center of chest)
• Step 3: Repeat until object is expelled or baby becomes unconscious
• Call 911: If object doesn't come out after several cycles
• Take an infant CPR class: Before an emergency happens

4. Car Seat Safety

Choosing the Right Car Seat

• Infant car seat (rear-facing): Birth to ~35 lbs, typically until age 2
• Convertible car seat: Can be used rear and forward-facing
• Rear-facing as long as possible: AAP recommends until max height/weight limit

Installation Tips

• Use LATCH or seat belt: Not both (unless manual says otherwise)
• Check the angle: Reclined enough so baby's head doesn't fall forward
• 1-inch rule: Seat shouldn't move more than 1 inch side to side
• Get it checked: Visit a certified car seat technician (free inspections available)

Harness Safety

• Snug harness: Pass the "pinch test" - can't pinch excess strap at shoulder
• Chest clip position: At armpit level
• No bulky coats: Remove before buckling, cover with blanket after
• Check straps regularly: Adjust as baby grows

Never Leave Baby Alone in Car

Heatstroke danger: Cars can heat up 20°F in just 10 minutes. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, even briefly.

5. Emergency Preparedness

For Burns

• Cool running water: 10-20 minutes (not ice)
• Don't pop blisters: Cover loosely with clean bandage
• Seek medical care: For burns larger than baby's palm

For Falls

• Check consciousness: Is baby alert and responsive?
• Watch for: Vomiting, unusual drowsiness, unequal pupils
• Head injuries: Monitor for 24-48 hours
• Call 911: For loss of consciousness, seizures, or severe symptoms

Emergency Numbers to Post

• 911: For all emergencies
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Pediatrician's number: For after-hours advice

6. Essential Safety Products

Must-Have Items

• Safety gates: For stairs (top and bottom) and restricted areas
• Outlet covers: For all exposed outlets
• Corner protectors: For sharp furniture edges
• Cabinet and drawer locks: Multiple types available
• Furniture anchoring straps: For dressers, bookshelves, TVs

Additional Recommended Items

• Toilet lock: Prevents drowning and playing in toilet
• Stove knob covers: Prevents accidental burner activation
• Door pinch guards: Prevents finger injuries
• Window stops: Limits how far windows can open
• Baby monitor: Video monitors for visual supervision