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Your newborn will need a living environment that is safe as you can possibly
make it. In the United States alone, 1 million children are treated for
accidental injury each year, and 40,000 to 50,000 suffer permanent consequences.
Childhood injuries follow certain patterns, and there are many steps you
can take to prevent them.
The following are some general guidelines:
- Take a long look at your home from your child’s point of view.
You’ll discover a world of potential dangers, from reachable stove
dials and hot water faucets to shaky furniture and sharp scissors.
- Tailor the type of protection you provide to your child’s specific
needs. For instance, a 2-month-old strapped into a car seat requires
very different supervision from a toddler who is starting to climb.
- At each stage of your child’s development, stop and think about
the potential dangers he or she now faces. Ask yourself how high he
or she can reach and what objects may attract his or her attention.
- For the first 6 months of your baby’s life, the most important
rule is never to leave him or her alone in a potentially dangerous situation.
For example, baby could easily roll off a bed or changing table.
- As baby begins to crawl and explore, firmly say “No!” when
he or she approaches a potential danger.
The following are additional safety tips:
- Store cleaners, lye, and other dangerous products in a high cabinet
out of sight.
- Keep knives and other sharp utensils separate from “safe”
utensils (such as spoons and spatulas) in a latched drawer.
- Unplug appliances not in use and tuck electrical cords out of baby’s
reach.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
- Never leave a small child unattended in the bath, and put nonslip
strips at the bottom of the tub.
- Keep the toilet lid closed.
- Place all medicines in child-resistant containers.
- Put safety plugs over all unused electrical outlets.
- Carpet stairs whenever possible.
- Keep cords for venetian blinds or drapes out of baby’s reach
to prevent the possibility of choking.
You may find it easier to take safety measures right away, before baby
starts to crawl and explore.
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