Get down to your child’s level and explore your house. It may feel silly to crawl around your home, but it is the best way to see all of the potential hazards.
To avoid choking, keep all small objects out of the reach of young children. Vacuum often to remove choking hazards from the floor.
Wash dishes and properly store food to avoid poisoning and illness.
Keep electrical, curtain, and window blind cords out of young children's reach.
Put garbage in containers, away from children.
If pets are kept in the house, clean up after them. Always supervise interaction between pets and young children.
Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables before giving them to a child.
Never leave young children alone in the bathtub. Keep the toilet lid closed and cleaning buckets away from children.
Set up your water heater at 120 degrees or less. Test the water temperature with your hand before bathing a child.
Keep matches, medications, and cleaning supplies safely stored away from children.
Make sure infant care items – cribs, strollers, safety fences – meet current safety regulations.
Cover all electrical outlets at home with safety covers.
Keep guns locked and away from children.
Learn infant and child CPR and basic first-aid.
Keep a list of emergency numbers posted. This list should include your child’s doctor, emergency services, and Poison Control.
Never carry a baby or child and something hot at the same time, including a cigarette.
Make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in place in your home. Replace their batteries at least twice a year.
Disconnect electric rollers, curling irons, hair dryers, and other appliances when they are not in use.
Never leave young children alone, even for a few minutes.
REMEMBER, child proofing is an ongoing process. What works to protect infants may not be the best solution for protecting older children. As your children grow, you will need to remain vigilant about ensuring their safety.
