Unintentional injuries rank among the top 10 causes of death in infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infants can be injured in the car, the crib and even by their own toys. Many accidents can be prevented by following safety guidelines designed to keep infants out of harm's way. Infant safety is a responsibility that ultimately falls on parents and caretakers.
Crib Safety
KidsHealth website explains that cribs are responsible for the most deaths involving nursery products. Safety guidelines change frequently as new hazards are identified. Most newer cribs are designed to meet current safety standards, but hand-me-downs and second-hand purchases may have been manufactured before certain stands were created. When choosing a crib, look for one with slats no further apart than 2 3/8 inches. Wider slats may allow your infant to fall out or get stuck. Make sure side posts do not protrude above the top of the crib. Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib and remove bumpers, mobiles and large stuffed animals once your infant can pull himself up. Place the crib away from electrical cords or drapery to prevent strangulation.
Choosing Safe Toys
Infants put just about everything into their mouths, including toys. When buying a toy, look at the age recommendation and make sure it is appropriate for your baby's developmental stage. Avoid toys with sharp corners or small parts. Look for washable stuffed animals without buttons or hard pieces, as your baby can chew or pull these parts off and choke on them. The National Network for Childcare also recommends avoiding very loud toys that can damage small eardrums. .Avoid toys with strings that can wrap around your baby's neck.
Proper Use of Carseats
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that infants should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old and 20 lbs., but preferably until they reach the maximum weight recommended by the car seat. The two types of rear-facing car seats are infant-only seats that generally hold up to 20 lbs., and convertible seats, which can last through infancy and into the toddler years. The seat should be installed tightly enough that it can't be moved more than an inch in any direction. If you have trouble installing your car seat, your local police station can direct you to a Child Passenger Safety technician.
Infant CPR
No matter how careful you are and how many safety procedures you follow, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in a crisis may mean the difference between life and death for your baby. Infant CPR is a procedure performed when an infant's heart or breathing stops, according to MedlinePlus. While it can save your infant's life, it should only be performed by someone trained in infant CPR. Your local Red Cross, hospital or YMCA can provide you with information about class times and locations. Infant CPR is usually taught in conjunction with Heimlich maneuver.
