Building Baby Safety Awareness: Tips for Parents

In the United States, one child passes away every two weeks as a result of an accident in the home. Infant and child safety is a serious topic, and precautions need to be taken in every household to help prevent these untimely deaths.

This Baby Safety Month, take some time to make sure your home is as safe as possible for your little ones. In addition to the safety tips below, you can create a safe play area for your child, making sure the area is free of hazards such as electric cords, poisonous plants, sharp edges and choking hazards. Baby Safety Month is an important time to make sure your home is safe for your child. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your child safe from harm.

Tips to Improve Baby Safety at Home

Most infant injuries can be prevented, and parents and caregivers play a significant role in making sure their children stay safe. Here are a few tips to help ensure your baby stays safe and sound in the home:

1. Baby-proof the home before bringing your baby home

• Use latches on drawers, doors, and cupboards
• Install a baby gate at the top and bottom of staircases
• Use outlet plugs
• Conceal cords and wires

2. Never leave your baby unattended

Whether on a bed, couch, changing table, or anywhere else, a baby can easily fall over. It only takes a split second for an accident to happen, so never leave your baby unattended.

3. Make sure the car seat is installed correctly

While it can be nerve-wracking to travel with a little one in the car, it’s unavoidable for most parents. Make sure the car seat is the appropriate size for every stage of your child’s life and is positioned correctly in the car. Placing the car seat in the center seat of the back row facing backwards is the safest position. Once your baby is a toddler, the seat should be repositioned.

4. Practice safe sleeping techniques

Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and fits properly in the crib. Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs, and never put toys, blankets, pillows or other objects in the crib. When the baby is sleeping, always use a monitor so you can see and hear them at all times.

5. Conceal electrical cords and wires

Cords are extremely dangerous for babies as they can cause electrocution or strangulation. To keep your baby safe in the home, make sure blinds are cordless and all wires are out of sight and reach.

6. Protect your baby from smoke and fire

Never smoke cigarettes or e-cigs around your baby, as this could pose serious health issues. Install a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas. Test the alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly.

7. Practice safe bath time procedures

Bath time is a special moment that you and your baby share. Remember to never leave your baby unattended. If you need to leave the bathroom for any reason, take your baby with you. Always check the water temperature before placing them in the bathtub to make sure the water is not too hot. When bath time is over, empty the tub completely to prevent any post-bath time drowning incidents.

8. Keep detergents out of reach

Never fill the dishwasher with detergent until you’re ready to run the appliance. Store laundry and other detergents in a locked cabinet or out of reach. Use extra caution when using detergent pods, which are visually appealing to children.

9. Protect your baby from the sun and heat

Sweating is the natural way our bodies cool down, but babies can’t sweat as efficiently as adults can. Limit time outside on hot days to 30 minutes or less and make sure your little one is well-hydrated. Be sure to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, since sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful in keeping your little ones safe. Remember, baby safety starts with education and prevention, so be sure to take the time to learn about the different risks and how to mitigate them. If you’re gearing up to welcome a new baby home or have some concerns about current safety hazards in your home, contact your local WIN home inspector and schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection, today!