Protecting your baby and making his/her environment
safe is a concern of every new parent. The biggest threat to your
baby is injury, and most injuries are preventable with planning
in advance. The following are a few suggestions to assist you
in keeping your baby’s world a safer place.
Your Baby’s Crib:
The bars should be less than 2 3/8"
apart so the baby’s head can’t get stuck between them.
Always keep rails up.
The end panels should be solid.
The railing should be at least 26 inches
higher than the lowest level of the mattress support so he/she
can’t climb over easily.
The mattress should fit snugly, (no more
than two fingers width) so that the baby’s head cannot
get stuck between the mattress and the crib.
A crib guard can make it safer and softer
for your baby.
Never use pillows, and do not put large
stuffed animals in the crib.
Make sure the crib is not painted with
lead based paint.
Keep the crib away from radiators, hot
or cold air ducts, electrical outlets, lamps, and windows.
Smoking: Babies need to be as risk
free as possible. Second hand smoke is very dangerous to new babies.
For your health, as well as your baby’s, do not smoke!
Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms should be
installed on every level in your home and always be in working
order.
Changing Area: Make sure the changing
table has a solid sturdy surface, that all your supplies are readily
available, and a safety strap is used at all times.
Water Heater: Set your water heater
at 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Centigrade to prevent
skin burns. Test the water for bathing before putting baby in
the bathtub to make sure the water is not too warm.
Pacifiers: Never tie a pacifier around
the baby’s neck. Make sure all parts are not breakable and
do not come apart.
Positioning: Make sure your baby’s
head is supported when being held and when your baby is in an
infant seat.
Pets: Some pets can be jealous of a
new baby. Others are just curious. It is important that you never
leave your baby alone with a pet. Some parents find it helpful
to bring a cloth into the unit for a few days and then take it
home so your pet can get acquainted with your baby’s scent.
Young Children: Remind your children
that a new baby is not a toy. Do not leave your baby alone with
young children.
Houseplants: Some common poisonous
plants include; castor bean seeds, dieffenbachia, caladium, some
philodendron, elephant’s ear, bulbs from hyacinth, narcissus,
daffodils, rosary pea seeds, holly berries, and Jerusalem cherries.
Other potential hazards include:
Watch baby carefully when around ironing
boards and irons.
Do not leave baby alone near the Christmas
tree.
Keep stairs fenced. Do not use the old
accordion type gates.
Keep kitchen, bathroom, and laundry chemicals
out of reach.
Use safety latches on all cupboards.
Cover all electrical outlets.
Keep electrical cords out of reach, and
do not let cords hang.
Tie venetian blind cords up and out of
reach, or use the safety attachments.
Watch your baby around pools, lakes, when
on a boat, or in the tub.
Make sure all poisonous liquids are in
their original containers and locked out of reach.
Protect your baby from wood burning stoves
and fireplaces. Wood heat is drying and may cause respiratory
problems in some babies. Use a humidifier and clean stove according
to instructions.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
