Baby Safety: How to Plan Ahead

Baby safety is an important topic for every parent to address. It seems that an infant and baby would be one of the easiest critters to keep safe. For much of the first year they are immobile and many parents wonder how they can get into trouble. The biggest factor is parental complacency.

Once we get over the initial jitters and nerves we begin to relax in our role as parents. We also begin to underestimate the capabilities of our baby. It seems that one day they are just lying on a blanket and the next they are rolling or crawling across an entire room. Keeping up with baby safety often means staying one step ahead of your baby’s abilities and never feeling comfortable with what it is they can actually do!

Baby safety begins at home. You want to ensure that your child lives in a smoke free environment at all times. They need to ride in a rear facing car seat that is in the back seat of the vehicle as well. The crib you choose should be stamped with JPMA approval meaning that the slat widths and construction is safe for your baby. Keep your crib clear of pillows, stuffed toys and even bumper pads that could easily cause suffocation. Another major factor in crib safety during infancy is to place your baby on their back at all times. Many parents enjoy the convenience of a baby monitor so they can check on their baby without waking them.

Of course the high chair and all other baby gear that your child will be spending time in needs to be in perfect working order. Even if your baby is still an infant, begin to look for worn or loose parts that could come off and make sure that all the harness systems are functioning properly. If something is equipped with a harness whether it be a high chair or bouncy seat – use it!

During infancy is the perfect time to begin making adjustments to your home that will stay one step ahead of your child. Cover outlets and make sure that there is nothing down low that will attract your baby as they begin rolling or crawling. You want to check the integrity of the car seat installation each time you go for a ride with your baby. If you are using a high chair, always check it for sturdiness by placing your weight on the chair. Make sure the legs are all the way out to avoid accidental collapse. The same holds true for your stroller.

The changing area should be convenient and safe. It won’t be long before your baby will be a squirming baby and you want to make sure that everything is stable and that YOU can reach everything with one hand. This ensures that your other hand can remain on your baby. Keep diapering supplies, especially talc’s away from where your baby can reach them.

Make a bath time basket that houses all of your bathing needs and make sure it is in the bathroom before you place your baby in the water. You want to make sure that you have no temptation to leave the bathing area; not even for a second! This can be a deadly mistake. Another important way to keep your baby safe is to set your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent scalding or hot water burns. Remember that their skin is more sensitive than ours. This way the water will never become too hot.

Making Baby Safety a Priority!

You are doing the right thing by researching baby safety. Somewhere along the line you will be informed of one thing you haven’t thought of and it could save your baby’s life. Baby safety is really about using common sense and always providing responsible supervision. No parent wants their baby injured. Preparation and diligence is key!

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