The home serves as a haven for families with young children. The average house also presents many potential dangers for an infant. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate risks around the home creates a safe environment for your infant. The safe home environment also gives new parents peace of mind.
Dangers
Assessing the dangers present in your home helps you narrow down your safety efforts. A newborn who isn't mobile doesn't face as many dangers as an older infant who is scooting or walking. Once the baby becomes mobile, she has access to objects and areas of the home that present choking, falling and other injury risks.
Baby Proofing
Baby proofing the home reduces risks to the infant, particularly when he begins moving around the home on his own. Breakable and sharp items should be placed out of reach of the baby. Cabinet, toilet, oven and refrigerator locking devices prevent curious infants from pulling them open and getting hurt on objects inside. Door knob covers keep older infants from getting into certain rooms of the home. Baby gates block off stairways and rooms that present dangers to infants. Placing houseplants out of reach of your infant prevents them from eating a potentially poisonous plant.
Environmental Dangers
Smoking in the home decreases the air quality and presents a potential hazard to a baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS, respiratory infections and asthma. Lead is another potential risk for infants, particularly in older homes. Exposure to lead may cause developmental problems and cognitive delays.
Nursery Safety
Babies spend a large portion of their time sleeping. Creating a safe nursery makes an ideal sleeping location for your infant. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission defines a safe crib as one with slats no further than 2 3/8 inches apart without cutouts in the headboard or foot board. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly into the crib so your baby cannot get stuck. Bumper pads, quilts, comforters, stuffed animals and pillows present a hazard and should be kept out of the crib. Position the crib away from windows, heat registers and other potential dangers.
Emergency Preparation
Reducing risks in the home doesn't completely eliminate the possibility of an accident. Preparing for an emergency helps you stay calm if your infant does get injured at home. An infant CPR and first aid class provides the tools necessary to handle most home accidents. Most communities offer these classes through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and hospitals. Your child's pediatrician can help locate a local class. Posting all emergency numbers and your contact information by the phone helps a babysitter if an emergency occurs while you are away from home.
