Safety Is No Accident!
Accidents are the leading cause of death in children! The good news is that with a little information, common sense, and forethought, most accidents can be prevented.
Car Seat Safety One of the most important pieces of equipment is a child safety seat. The safest place for an infant is facing the rear of the car in the middle of the back seat.
Car Seat Safety An infant 20 to 40 pounds should face forward Never place an infant in front of a car’s air- bag Buckle the infant in correctly on every trip
Cribs Cribs cause 150 to 200 deaths each year and another 40,000 accidents needing doctor’s care. Here is how to choose a crib you won’t have to lose sleep over.
Crib Safety Slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart No corner posts higher than 1/16 inch No cutouts in footboard or headboard
Crib Safety Mattress should fit snugly, no more than two fingers between mattress and crib sides Sides securely held in raised position by latch that cannot be released by baby
Crib Safety No rough edges Bumper pads should run around the entire crib and tie in at least six places Should not have any long ribbons
Crib Safety Crib gyms and other stringed toys that stretch across the crib should be removed when baby is 5 months old or is able to push up on his hands and knees
Childproofing Your Home Here are some steps to take to help reduce the chance of accidents.
1. Never leave a child alone in a bathtub or near water.
2.Turn pot handles inward on the stove.
3. Install smoke detectors, plan fire escape routes.
4. Never leave a child on a changing table.
5. Block off stairways with a mesh gate.
6. Keep dangerous materials out of reach (knives, guns, matches, cleaners)
7. Remove poisonous plants.
8. Use safety plugs on electrical outlets.
9. Examine your child’s toys.
10. Check for outdoor hazards.
Just in case… Keep first aid supplies handy. List emergency phone numbers near the phone. Include your doctor, emergency room and poison control center. Teach children how and when to dial 911.