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It can be hard find the right balance between over protectiveness and being a good new parent. Wonder what are important baby safety tips no longer, as the following list will help you keep your child safe, healthy and happy.
Driving
Use car seats that support a baby's head and neck. Always make sure to buckle a care seat correctly and securely in the car. The buckle around the baby should be a 5 point harness, and the car seat itself should fit your child's specific height and weight. Always place the car seat in the backseat to avoid airbags, which are harmful and could even cause death to children.
Bathing
Use a baby tub to bathe your baby, or place your child in the kitchen or bathroom sink. Never leave your baby in the bath tub alone. Always keep your hands supporting their back, head and neck.
Bed
Infants should always sleep on their backs to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A baby can easily suffocate when laying on their stomach if they spit up. If they are on their back they are able to turn their head and spit to the side. The crib bars should be at most 2 inches apart, so that your baby can't get their head or limbs stuck. There should be no gab between bars and the headboard. If the crib has a drop-side mechanism it should not be able to fall down easily.
Always install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the your baby's room. Cover all electrical outlets, and secure bookshelves, changing tables and dressers to the wall so they cannot tip or fall. The room should be a comfortable temperature to sleep in, there should not be extra blankets with your baby in the bed as they can be a strangulation hazard, and over bundling your child can also strangle babies.
Toys
Avoid small toys, marbles, magnets and anything that can fit in a baby's mouth. One good way to discern if a toy is appropriate for your baby or not is to see if it fits in a toilet paper roll. If it fits, it is too small for your baby and is a choking hazard. No toys should have long strings, as this a strangulation hazard. You should also avoid thin plastic toys, since they can break easily and have sharp edges. Only provide your baby with age appropriate toys.
Water Safety
Keep all 5 gallon buckets out of your child's reach. Secure toilets by closing the lids or blocking off bathrooms completely. Keep your child away from fountains, pools, ponds and ditches. You should always be present when your baby is by water. Learn CPR just in case.
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