Safety 101

Whether you are going to be a new parent or a new grandparent, your home should be baby/child proofed. Follow the guidelines below to help ensure that your home is safe for little ones coming to live or visit.

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, especially in bedrooms.
• Check and change batteries in current detectors at least twice a year.
• Purchase all purpose (ABC) fire extinguishers for several areas of the house.
• Make sure all baby bedding and sleep clothing is fire resistant or flame retardant.
• Turn water heater temperature to 120° F.
• Make sure crib meets all safety requirements—slats should be apart

 Place outlet covers/plugs in electrical outlets.

• Learn CPR
• Don’t let anyone smoke around the baby.
• Put baby on his or her back to sleep.
• Don’t hold baby while drinking a hot drink.
• Don’t tie pacifiers or necklaces around baby’s neck.
• Check toys and stuffed animals for small or loose pieces.
• Never leave baby alone in or near water.
• Never shake a baby—rough shaking or swinging can damage his or her brain.

When traveling always place baby in the car seat:

Place car seat in the middle of the back seat (Install car seat according to manufactures directions. Schedule an appointment at a car seat fitting station to have car seat checked.)

• Infant should face backward in the seat (looking at the back seat)
• Do not place car seat in the front seat with an air bag.
• Never leave the baby in the car alone—not even for just a few minutes.

Did you know

These plants are just a few that are considered poisonous:

• Daffodil
• Four-o’clock
• Holly berries
• Ivy
• Lily of the valley
• Mistletoe
• Morning glory
• Tomato vines