Safety Tips for New Babies

Did you know?

• Every year, nearly 300 children under one year old are admitted to BC hospitals for treatment of unintentional injuries.

Falls

• keep a hand on the baby at all times during diaper changes -- a baby can roll and fall off a change table
• do not leave an infant in a bouncer chair on a table or counter -- a baby's feet can kick the chair over the edge
• do not leave a baby unattended in a grocery cart

Scalds

• test bath with an elbow or forearm -- the water should be warm, not hot
• stir food heated in a microwave well and test the temperature before feeding it to your baby
• do not hold the baby while you are eating or drinking anything hot

Poisoning

• keep diaper creams, cleaning products, medication, tobacco, alcoholic beverages and other poisons out of baby's reach
• if your doctor has advised medicine, check the label and measure every time you give it to your baby

Suffocation  

• grate, blend or chop all solid food into very small pieces
• keep small objects such as coins, buttons, and earrings out of baby's reach
• discard any soothers (pacifiers) that have broken or chewed parts