When you bring a baby into your home, make sure you provide a safe environment for the growing child. When it comes to baby-proofing, babies of different ages have different needs. Take some basic steps to ensure safety for any small child. You should begin baby-proofing even before the baby enters the home, and you will need to remain vigilant in case of any unforeseen hazards. Babies are excellent at finding trouble, but a good parent can use baby-proofing to stay ahead.
Step 1
Prepare your baby's crib. In order to ensure the baby does not suffocate while sleeping, remove loose objects like blankets, pillows and toys from the crib before placing the child inside. Make sure the crib mattress is snug and no more than a finger-width distant from the sides of the crib. The crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid head entrapment.
Step 2
Place a soft rug or padding under any high level surface on which you will lay the baby. This includes cribs and changing tables.
Step 3
Move any dangerous items out of your baby's reach. Such items include small toys, coins, magnets, balloons and jewelry. If it can fit inside a toilet paper tube, a baby can try to eat it.
Step 4
Place all dangling items at a height where your baby cannot reach them. These include mobiles, hanging toys, drape cords and electrical cords. A baby can pull any dangling item down, causing damage and possibly injury with heavy or dangerous items.
Step 5
Put away all poisonous substances. Substances harmful to a baby include alcohol, medicines, cleaning products, paint, charcoal, fertilizer, pesticides and laundry soap. Have a bottle of ipecac or activated charcoal in the house, along with the phone number to consult medical help, in case of accidental ingestion.
Step 6
Cover all electrical outlets with electrical outlet covers. For dangerous locations like fireplaces and stairs, install sturdy barriers that will not allow the child to pass.
Tips and Warnings
- Learn CPR for infants just in case your baby-proofing methods fail. Infant CPR varies slightly from adult and child methods, but most CPR certification classes will cover the differences. Set your house water heater to a temperature at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures can increase the burn risk for infants.
- When choosing a crib for your baby, make sure it was manufactured after 1992. Cribs before that date may not meet the current safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Things You'll Need
- Safe crib
- Soft rug or floor covering
- Ipecac
- Activated charcoal
- Electrical outlet covers
- Barriers
