Accidents are the number one cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 16. Most accidents and the serious consequences of many of these are preventable. Start child-proofing at 6 months.
REMEMBER: PREVENTION IS EASIER AND BETTER THAN TREATMENT.
DO’S AND DON’TS FOR PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
1. Keep crib sides securely fastened.
2. Use restraints in baby feeder, carriage, stroller, car seats, etc.
3. Never prop baby bottle.
4. Do not hang or tie toys to the crib because your baby may become entangled in the string.
5. Avoid use of pillows
6. Highchairs should have a broad base to prevent tipping, a safety strap, and a latch on the tray.
7. Teach your child the meaning of the word “HOT” between 7 to 9 months old.
8. Use gates on stairways to prevent falls.
9. Windows should open from the top or have guards attached.
10. In the kitchen area—be alert for spattering grease, keep pot handles turned inward, keep hot containers in the middle of the table at mealtime.
11. Be sure broken glass and razor blades are safely disposed of.
12. Always check bath water temperature—never run hot first as your child may fall in.
13. Be alert for small objects—peas, buttons, popcorn, beads, nuts, raisins. Avoid nuts and popcorn until your child is 5 years old, raisins and gum until 3 years old.
14. Use safety plugs in unused wall sockets; be sure electric cords are not frayed and secure electrical cords so lamps cannot be pulled down.
15. Be careful when using plastic bags—especially dry-cleaner bags.
16. Make sure that your child cannot get into the Drano or similar products, oven cleaner, furniture polish, medicines, alcohol, or any other toxic substance. Keep them locked up. If you are using one of these items, put it away in a secure place before answering the phone or doorbell.
17. Always use a car seat or seatbelts, even when taking your child in someone else’s car.
18. Turn the water heater temperature down so that the hottest faucet water won’t burn (temperature lower than 130 degrees F.).
19. Don’t use a lawn mower when children are playing nearby.
20. No peanuts or popcorn in the home until your youngest child is 5 years old.
21. Don’t turn your back on baby when he is on the bed, table, or bathinette. Never leave baby alone in the bath, even for a few seconds, even for the phone or doorbell.
22. Keep your baby away from loose cords, i.e., Venetian blind cords. Make sure no cord hangs in or near your baby’s crib.
23. Never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck.
24. Consider a smoke alarm near the children’s sleeping area. Develop and practice escape routes with children in case of fire.
25. Discourage child from running with food in his mouth.
26. Teach road safety, i.e. never run into the street, look both ways before crossing.
27. Teach bicycle safety.
28. Teach safety in water—never consider a young child “water-safe”.
29. Never leave your baby alone in a room with pets, no matter how gentle.
30. Put plants up and out of reach.
31. Use safety latches for cabinets.
32. Avoid jewelry; necklaces and bracelets may snag and earrings may be swallowed
33. Don’t allow child to play with balloons.
34. When using walkers, never let the infant leave your sight