We’ve all heard horror stories about accidents that injure or kill babies. This includes things like furniture falling on top of babies, accidental drownings in a bathtub, injury from improperly fastened car seats, and the list goes on. We all want to keep our children safe and well. Some reminders of ways to do this can be helpful for your own baby or one that might be in your care.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) sponsors Baby Safety Month every September to give parents and caregivers tips and advice on how to keep our youngest ones safe and happy.
The following list includes suggestions from the JPMA website that will help keep your baby safe!
- The best time – Ideally, the best time to baby-proof is early in your pregnancy before you register so you can include needed safety items on your registry list.
- The best way – The best way to baby-proof? Get down on your hands and knees and think like a baby? This is a great activity for both mom and dad since males and females tend to look and inspect different aspects of the home and safety measures in general.
- Obvious hazards – Take care of obvious hazards such as exposed electrical sockets and blind cords, but be on the lookout for those not-so-obvious items like empty dishwashers, hanging tablecloths that can easily be pulled down, and poisonous plants.
- Consider child-proofing an ongoing process – Monitor your child’s growth and development and always try to stay one step ahead. For example, don’t wait until your baby starts crawling to put up stairway gates. Install them in advance so the entire family gets used to them and the baby doesn’t associate his new-found milestones with barriers.
- If you already have a baby – If you are preparing for baby #2 or #3, don’t underestimate your “seasoned” approach to baby-proofing from the first time around. In fact, having an older sibling creates additional hazards you should be aware of like small parts from toys and your toddlers ability to open doors, potty lids, and cabinets now.
- Safest Option – Keep in mind that new products meeting current safety standards are the safest option.
- Second-Hand Products – It is recommended that secondhand products should not be used for babies. However, if it is necessary to use older products, make sure all parts are available, the product is fully functional, not broken, and has not been recalled.
- Register your products – Through product registration, parents can establish a direct line of communication with the manufacturer should a problem arise with a product purchased. This information is NOT used for marketing purposes.
- Car seats – Follow the car seat instructions for proper use and your state law and register your car seat with the manufacturer.
- Bath time – NEVER leave your baby unattended during bath time. If you need to leave the bathroom, take the baby with you. Do not rely on older children to watch the baby for you.
These ten tips are just a small amount of the information that can be found on the JPMA website. Please visit the website to review other ways you can keep your baby safe.
