September is Baby Safety Month so this is a perfect time to review these 10 safety tips from Safe Kids and the CDC.
- Check to make sure your car seat is installed correctly. The Safe Kids Worldwide provides virtual inspections and there are specific videos on how to correctly install a car seat. Local law enforcement officers may check car seats if you have questions about the installation.
- Before putting your baby down for the night, remember that a firm mattress and fitted sheet are all you need for your baby’s crib. Remove blankets and toys from the crib and use a sleep sack on colder nights.
- Place your baby’s crib and other furniture away from windows to avoid falls or strangulation. Your baby is safer without any strings or cords within reach.
- Remember to set your water heater to 120° F to avoid scalds. make sure that the water never gets to a point that could injury the baby.
- Install working smoke alarm AND a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, and in all sleeping areas. This is an important tip for not just baby safety, but family safety as well. test the alarms regularly to make sure they work.
- Use approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs and attach them to the wall, if possible. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels to make sure you have the right gate for your needs.
- Store poisonous items out of reach or use safety locks on cabinets within reach. These items also include liquid packets for the laundry and dishwasher. It only takes a few minutes, and it gives you one less thing to worry about. Put the poison help number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and save it on your cell phone.
- Install stops on dresser drawers to prevent them from being pulled all the way out. Multiple open drawers can cause the weight to shift, making it easier for a dresser to fall.
- Keep the toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. It’s also a good idea to keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
- And, last but not least, see the world from a child's point of view. Get on the floor, on your hands and knees so that you are at your child's eye level. Look for and remove small items. We know that babies will put anything and everything in their mouths. Remove everything that a child might choke on. The main thing is to always stay with the child and never leave a baby unattended.
Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at [email protected]