Safety for older babies

Did you know?

• Babies learn by exploring. Create a safe space for baby to move and crawl by removing things which might be dangerous.

Falls

•  install safety gates at the top and bottom of steps
• avoid using walkers -- falls involving baby walkers often cause serious head injuries
• remove all chairs and tables near windows or balcony rails

Scalds

•  use placemats rather than table cloths -- a baby trying to stand may pull on a tablecloth causing hot foods or glass to fall
• always stay with a child in the bath to prevent scald burns and drowning

Poisoning

•  keep household cleaners, alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, mouthwash, paint, vitamins, and medicine out of a baby's reach

Choking

•  do not give hot dogs to a child under a year old -- they can easily lodge in the throat -- for older toddlers, cut hot dogs length-wise and then again into small pieces

Suffocation

•  tie cords from curtains and blinds up high to avoid strangling