September is Baby Safety Month! We hope all parents take time this month to explore and educate themselves on all aspects of baby safety. Here are a few key components of creating a safe world for your little one and some outstanding resources for you as well.
Safety at Home
Your home will be where your baby spends more time than anywhere else. Providing a safe environment for your child to sleep, eat, play, and grow is essential in parenthood. Safety at home is more than just installing some outlet covers and placing breakable items on a higher shelf. Here are a few ideas to increase your home’s safety:
- Secure your furniture: Before you know it, your tiny newborn will be on the move. It won’t be long before your little one is mobile and able to open drawers, climb, and more! Securing your furniture to the wall with anti-tipping straps can be a great way to keep your furniture from toppling onto your child.
- Move/lock up chemicals and medicines: One of the biggest dangers to your child in your home are chemicals and medicines. Moving medicines to a lock box or adding a lock to a hall cabient can be a great way to keep medications from little ones. Adding a cabinet lock where cleaners are kept and securing fertilizer and other lawn chemicals is certainly worth your time.
- Water Safety: If you have a pool, hot tub, or live near a body of water, consider safety measures to put in place to prevent a drowning accident. Pool and hot-tub covers or fences can be a great way to do this. Door cameras with movement alerts can also help notify you if your child has exited your home without you noticing.
Safety on the Go
Properly installing your baby’s car seats is one of the first ways to keep your baby safe on the go. Every parent should read your car seat manual to ensure proper installation and use long-term. Educate yourself on when newborn inserts should be removed, what the height and weight limit of the car seat is, and other safety measures. Many local fire departments have trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can help you install your car seat safely and securely!
Babywearing is becoming increasingly popular whether parents are choosing structured carriers, wraps, ring slings, hybrid carriers, etc! Many brands have tutorial videos on their websites to help you know how to safely use their carrier with your baby. While some carriers might seem intuitive, it is always important to make sure you know how to properly secure your infant into the carrier, maintain their airway, and support healthy development.
Resources:
Poison Control: online or call 1-800-222-1222
